Burnham urges closer EU ties as Labour maintains its Brexit red lines
Andy Burnham has called for the UK to explore closer relations with the EU, arguing that Brexit has caused more harm than good. The article supports this change in direction, saying the potential economic and strategic gains outweigh the political risks.
Burnham said Labour would keep its manifesto red lines for this Parliament, while a UK-EU reset summit is planned for next month to discuss food and drink and youth mobility deals. Reopening the debate is likely to be difficult, particularly in leave-voting areas, and the EU may set its own conditions as it deepens cooperation on defence and economic policy.
- Burnham says Brexit has done more harm than good.
- A UK-EU reset summit is planned for next month.
- Closer ties could bring gains but carry political risks.
New here? Start with this
The UK left the European Union in 2020, ending its membership of the bloc’s shared market and customs arrangements. Since then, governments have sought ways to manage the effects on trade and cooperation while respecting the decision to leave.
Andy Burnham is the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, while the UK government is led by the Labour Party. Labour’s manifesto set limits on closer EU ties, including ruling out a return to the shared market or customs union; debates about changing the relationship can be politically sensitive, particularly in areas that voted to leave.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Closer EU ties could help reduce trade friction, support economic growth and give the UK more influence through cooperation on issues such as defence. If Brexit has brought costs without delivering comparable benefits, exploring practical agreements on food, drink and youth mobility could address them while respecting Labour’s current manifesto commitments.
The case against
Closer ties may bring economic benefits, but they could also carry political costs by reopening a divisive debate, particularly in areas that voted to leave. The EU would set conditions of its own, and deeper cooperation could constrain the UK’s freedom to set policy; proponents of caution may prefer to keep Labour’s red lines and assess limited agreements before pursuing a broader reset.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “The Guardian view on Burnham’s Brexit reset: overdue, but proceed with care | Editorial”.