Burnham and Healey clash yet again on Brexit

Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey have again differed over whether Britain might rejoin the EU, highlighting Labour’s debate over how far to pursue closer ties. Burnham has said he hopes to see the UK return to the bloc in his lifetime, while Healey does not expect that to happen and says his priority is securing practical benefits from the current relationship.

Burnham has argued that Brexit weakened the economy and said a future Labour manifesto could potentially include a referendum on rejoining, while stressing that voters should decide. Healey accepts Brexit has harmed growth and trade, but rejects the claim that EU or single market membership would necessarily deliver stronger growth. The prime minister is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels on 20 November to seek agreements on food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility.