Tories Vow to Reverse Brexit Re-engagement Efforts, Fueling Independence Debate

Conservative Party officials have stated their intention to reverse any attempts by Labour's Andy Burnham to unwind the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart characterized the government's ambition for a 'reset' with the EU as 'giving everything away.' This stance comes as Labour's potential re-engagement with the bloc gains traction.

Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, has recently expressed support for the UK rejoining the EU, a shift from his previous position during his bid to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership. Pro-EU figures within the Labour party have welcomed this development, with London Mayor Lord Khan advocating for closer ties with the EU.

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon seized upon Burnham's remarks, suggesting they create an opening for a fresh Scottish independence referendum. Sturgeon argued on Sky News that if the national vote on leaving the EU can be revisited after a decade, then Scotland's decision to leave the EU could also be reconsidered. "You can't pick and choose when democracy applies," Sturgeon stated.

![Andy Burnham (pictured with Ursula von der Leyen) used his conference speech last week to reopen the Brexit debate, suggesting Labour could even support rejoining the bloc in full at the next election]( "Andy Burnham Burnham and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to hold a summit later this year. Concerns exist that Brussels may demand significant concessions on free movement and financial contributions in exchange for easing trade barriers.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Burghart criticized Labour's approach to EU negotiations, referencing a summit in May 2025. "If one looks at what Starmer's government did at the Lancaster House summit in May 2025, they opened their negotiations with the EU by giving everything away," he said. When pressed on whether the Conservatives would reverse Labour's actions, Burghart affirmed, "Oh yeah, absolutely. I think the reset is really disastrous, actually." He further detailed his concerns, stating, "They said, 'We would like to take your rules, we would like to pay for the privilege and we would like your court (the European Court of Justice) to adjudicate on whether we have followed the rules and we would like to give you access to our fishing water for 12 years.' It was extraordinary. And in return, they got almost nothing."