Andy Burnham's initiative to align British policy with European Union rules has encountered significant opposition within his own constituency, according to a new survey. Voters in Makerfield, the constituency Burnham represents, have indicated a strong preference for the UK government to retain sole decision-making authority on various policy matters, effectively failing what Burnham himself termed the 'Makerfield test.'

The survey, conducted by Survation for the cross-party campaign group Britain Unbound, polled constituents on ten different policy areas. The questions were framed to avoid directly mentioning the EU, instead focusing on attitudes towards where policy decisions should originate. In every instance, a decisive majority of respondents favored the UK government making policy decisions independently.

For example, on the issue of state aid for regional development, 80 percent of voters believed the UK government should decide. Similarly, 75 percent felt the UK government should be solely responsible for deciding who is refused entry into the country, and 78 percent for setting VAT rates. The survey found that only a small fraction, between 2 and 12 percent, thought the UK should follow decisions made by international institutions on these matters.

Burnham had previously stated that the 'Makerfield test' would ensure that policies and announcements met a standard demonstrating improvement in residents' lives and work, with a particular focus on areas previously neglected by Westminster. However, Britain Unbound argues that the survey results show a 'stunning rejection' of any potential transfer of power from democratically elected British officials to unelected EU institutions.

Jonathan Hinder, Labour MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, commented that "voters in Labour's heartlands... do not support signing up to rules we have no say over." Lord Redwood, co-chairman of Britain Unbound, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Makerfield voters reject giving away our hard-won right to self-government to the EU."

This development comes as discussions continue around the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Notably, Labour MP Chris Ward, who has been involved in shaping Sir Keir Starmer's Brexit red lines—which exclude rejoining the EU's single market, customs union, or freedom of movement—has reportedly called for these positions to be reconsidered before the next general election.