Burnham says there is ‘no election coming anytime soon’ – but signals he will fight next one on platform of taking Britain back into Europe
Andy Burnham said he wants Britain to rejoin the European Union in his lifetime, signalling that Labour could campaign on closer ties at a future general election. He ruled out rejoining during the current Parliament, but declined to rule it out after an election, saying the public should decide.
Burnham argued that Brexit had weakened the economy and failed to deliver what voters were promised. The article says the Government is considering options ranging from closer cooperation to full EU membership or the single market, which would involve free movement; Burnham is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels on 20 November. Ministers have expressed differing views, while Angela Rayner called for an honest debate about the trade-offs.
In short
- Burnham wants Britain to rejoin the EU in his lifetime.
- He ruled out doing so during this Parliament.
- A future Labour election platform could include closer EU ties.
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The case for
Rejoining the EU could restore closer access to a major trading market and, supporters argue, help address economic costs they associate with Brexit. They could say that if voters were promised benefits that have not materialised, the country should be able to reconsider its course, with any future decision made openly at an election.
The case against
Opponents could argue that rejoining would reverse a choice made by voters and risk renewing disputes over sovereignty, rules and the terms of membership. They may also contend that closer cooperation could bring practical benefits without accepting the obligations of full membership, and that a campaign focused on rejoining could deepen political division.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union in 2020, following the 2016 referendum. Leaving changed how the country trades and works with EU member states, and ended the UK’s participation in the EU’s single market and free movement arrangements.
Andy Burnham is the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester. Decisions about relations with the EU are made by the UK Government, and any major change would involve negotiations with the EU. The debate matters because closer ties could affect trade, migration and the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours.
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