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Labour’s trade union backers revolt against Andy Burnham’s push to rejoin the EU, telling PM: ‘We can’t go back’
Andy Burnham’s call for a serious discussion about closer EU ties has met resistance from Labour’s major trade union backers, who argue the UK should not simply return to its pre-Brexit position. The disagreement highlights concern within Labour that the Government’s planned Brexit reset could lead towards rejoining the EU, despite the 2016 referendum.
GMB’s general secretary Gary Smith cautioned against full membership, citing economic and political problems in parts of Europe; Unite is reported to favour getting close to the EU without rejoining. Burnham says the UK has lost more than it gained since Brexit and wants the best possible deal. A campaign group estimates membership could cost £750 million a week, while senior EU figures say the UK would not regain its former budget rebate.
In short
- GMB and Unite oppose a full return to EU membership.
- Burnham wants a serious discussion on closer ties.
- A campaign group estimates rejoining could cost £750 million weekly.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Closer EU ties, potentially including membership, could help address the economic costs of Brexit and give the UK greater influence over decisions that affect it. Advocates of reopening the debate argue that the country should seek the best available relationship with Europe rather than rule out options because of the 2016 referendum.
The case against
The UK should pursue practical cooperation with the EU without rejoining, because membership would bring substantial financial and political commitments and would not restore the terms Britain previously had. Those favouring this approach argue that the referendum remains an important mandate and that closer ties should not mean returning to the pre-Brexit settlement.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union in 2020, following the 2016 referendum. Since then, governments have discussed how closely the country should work with the EU on trade and other matters.
Andy Burnham is Labour’s mayor of Greater Manchester and a former cabinet minister. GMB and Unite are large trade unions that support Labour and represent workers in a range of industries.
The debate matters because closer ties could affect trade, regulation and the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours. Rejoining would involve separate negotiations, including on financial contributions and the terms of membership.
Europe Government Politics UK World