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.
In short
- Burnham hopes Britain could rejoin the EU in his lifetime.
- Healey says he does not expect to see that happen.
- The government is pursuing practical agreements with the EU.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Burnham’s case is that Brexit has weakened economic ties and that returning to the EU could restore access and influence, with potential benefits for trade and growth. A referendum would let voters decide whether those gains justify rejoining, rather than treating the question as settled indefinitely.
The case against
Healey’s case is that rejoining is uncertain and would not necessarily produce stronger growth, while pursuing practical agreements could secure tangible benefits without reopening the larger constitutional question. Focusing on areas such as food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility may be a more achievable way to improve the current relationship.
Explained simply
Brexit is the UK’s departure from the European Union, completed in 2020. The EU is a political and economic bloc whose members share rules and trade arrangements; the UK now has a separate relationship with it.
Andy Burnham is the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, while John Healey is a Labour cabinet minister. Their differing views reflect a wider debate within Labour about whether to seek closer links with the EU or focus on practical agreements under the current arrangements.
The issue matters because EU ties affect trade, economic growth and rules for movement between countries. Rejoining would be a major change, requiring a decision by voters and agreement with the EU.
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