Burnham Faces Backlash Over Brexit Reworking Bid

Andy Burnham is facing resistance from within his own party over proposals to renegotiate the UK's Brexit deal with the European Union. Labour MPs representing constituencies in the North and Midlands, often referred to as the "Red Wall," have cautioned against reopening the divisive debate and urged the Prime Minister to explicitly rule out any return to free movement.

Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, warned that reigniting the Brexit argument would be detrimental to politics, as it could be perceived as telling Leave voters they were incorrect. Similarly, Jonathan Brash, the MP for Hartlepool, described the idea of rejoining the EU without a referendum as a "non-starter." He argued that the political and social damage caused by the original referendum means it is not worth revisiting that path.

Another Red Wall MP, speaking anonymously to the Daily Mail, highlighted the unpopularity of free movement among their constituents, identifying it as a primary driver for voting to Leave. "I don't know why we would want to stir it all up again," the MP stated.

Andy Haldane, former chief economist at the Bank of England and an occasional advisor to the Prime Minister, expressed concerns about the economic implications of reopening the Brexit debate. While acknowledging the possibility of striking a better deal with the EU and potential growth benefits over the long term, he cautioned that a rerun of the referendum could escalate uncertainty and negatively impact businesses.

Burnham stated in a parliamentary address that "sticking with the status quo is not good enough for Britain" and that a closer arrangement with the EU would benefit the economy. However, he declined on five occasions to rule out the possibility of eventually returning to free movement with the EU. The Prime Minister is reportedly seeking to regain voters who have shifted their allegiance to the Liberal Democrats and Green Party.

Dame Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, suggested that those wishing to close the debate on Brexit should "get over it." She questioned why discussions about potentially rejoining the EU should be suppressed, particularly when, in her view, a majority of people acknowledge Brexit as a failure.