Prime Minister Andy Burnham has broken a decade-long political silence surrounding Brexit, suggesting that the United Kingdom should pursue a closer relationship with the European Union, potentially including rejoining the bloc. Burnham, who recently marked 100 days in office, stated his positive outlook on enhanced ties with Europe, asserting it would boost British GDP and aid in migration control.
In recent interviews, Burnham has called for an "evidence-based debate" on the consequences of Brexit. He pointed to immigration as an example, where he believes leaving the EU has paradoxically hindered control over unauthorized migration due to the loss of access to EU databases and agreements. "The truth of the matter is we’ve lost immigration control in the way that we once had," Burnham told broadcaster ITV.
Most economists concur that Brexit has negatively impacted the British economy, but politicians have largely avoided reopening the contentious debate. The 2016 referendum saw 52% of voters choose to leave the EU after four decades of membership. The subsequent years involved extensive negotiations over withdrawal terms, culminating in the UK's departure in 2020 with a trade deal that introduced new barriers to commerce with the EU's 450 million consumers.
Burnham remains bound by the previous Labour leader's pledge not to rejoin the EU's tariff-free customs union or frictionless single market. However, he indicated that this stance could evolve after the next national election, which must occur by 2029. At the Labour Party's annual conference, Burnham declared that "Brexit has done more harm than good" and pledged to seek political consensus on a new relationship with Europe, leaving the door open to potential rejoining the bloc.
Meanwhile, a UK-EU summit scheduled for November 20 is expected to address a more limited reset, focusing on a trade deal for food and drink, energy and emissions trading agreements, and a program for young people to work in both Britain and the EU. Around the same time, Burnham's office is expected to outline options for the long-term relationship with Europe and solicit public input. Downing Street has acknowledged preliminary discussions with EU officials about future relations, including potential returns to the single market and freedom of movement.
The EU has welcomed the UK's more conciliatory tone, though its leaders are cautious about UK attempts to gain member-like benefits without full membership. In Britain, Burnham's proposals have elicited a range of reactions. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a prominent Brexit advocate, stated that Burnham lacks the mandate to renegotiate Brexit. Some within the Labour Party, like lawmaker Melanie Onn, have warned against reopening past divisions. Trade expert David Henig noted that while public support for Brexit has waned, politicians remain hesitant to revisit the issue, which has contributed to political instability in the UK, leading to seven prime ministers in the past decade. Henig suggested Burnham's greatest challenge lies not with Brussels or the public, but with securing sufficient political support within his own party and government.