Labour MPs Urge Caution on Reopening Brexit Debate

Labour leader Andy Burnham has signaled a desire for closer ties with the European Union, stating that the current terms of the UK's relationship are "not good enough" and should be addressed at an upcoming summit. Burnham indicated he favored a "serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long term," a stance that has drawn both support from Europhile politicians and warnings from within his own party.

During a parliamentary debate, some Labour MPs voiced enthusiasm for potentially re-establishing free movement with EU countries and contributing to the EU budget. However, other party members expressed significant concern about reigniting divisive debates reminiscent of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Jonathan Hinder, a Labour backbencher, cautioned that opening a "full-blown debate" on the UK's EU status would be detrimental to the country's politics. He noted that many constituents feel overlooked by Westminster and that reopening such discussions could be perceived as a dismissal of the 2016 referendum result. Hinder argued that while pursuing a better deal with the EU is sensible, maintaining manifesto "red lines" against rejoining the customs union and single market is crucial. He highlighted that dropping these red lines could lead to renewed debates about free movement, loss of independent trade policy, and substantial annual payments to the EU.

Another Labour MP, Jonathan Brash, told Times Radio that rejoining the EU without a referendum would be a "non-starter," emphasizing the past political and social damage caused by the 2016 referendum.

Burnham, however, stated in the House of Commons that it would be a "dereliction of duty" not to seek a deeper partnership with the EU, particularly for promoting growth, controlling immigration, and upholding security. He believes public opinion supports a pragmatic approach and that the British public will ultimately have the final say. Burnham is scheduled to meet with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on November 20, with potential discussions including easing trade friction and a "youth experience scheme," which critics have dubbed "youth free movement."

Despite these discussions, Burnham has reiterated his commitment to the Labour manifesto's "red lines", which preclude rejoining the customs union or single market. MPs like Melanie Onn have expressed frustration with what they perceive as Burnham "dancing around" the issue of free movement.

Other Labour MPs, including Tony Vaughan, Afzal Khan, Deirdre Costigan, and Ben Coleman, spoke in favor of a closer relationship with the EU. They argued that current arrangements are detrimental to British interests, particularly economically, and that rejoining could bring significant financial benefits through increased trade and contributions that would outweigh costs. Ben Coleman specifically addressed concerns about free movement, suggesting that if the UK rejoined, it could implement stricter controls similar to those used by Belgium and Spain, and that membership would grant the UK a "seat and a vote" in setting EU rules, thereby increasing rather than diminishing control.

Liberal Democrat MP Paul Kohler urged the Prime Minister to use the upcoming EU summit to negotiate a growth and defence partnership, a customs union, and terms for joining the single market, with the ultimate aim of becoming a full EU member again. He acknowledged the negotiations would be challenging but asserted that the UK has much to gain from such re-engagement.