Burnham faces Red Wall backlash over his bid to unpick Brexit and cosy up to Brussels
Andy Burnham says he will push for a new deal with the EU, arguing that the current arrangement is inadequate and closer ties could help the economy. His position has drawn warnings from Labour MPs representing Brexit-supporting areas, who fear reopening the debate could alienate Leave voters and create political uncertainty.
Pendle and Clitheroe MP Jonathan Hinder said reviving the argument could make voters feel they were being told they were wrong, while Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash called rejoining without a referendum a non-starter. Burnham declined five times to rule out restoring free movement. Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane said a better deal might bring growth over five to 15 years, but warned that renewed uncertainty could unsettle businesses; Labour’s Emily Thornberry argued that discussion of Brexit should remain open.
- Burnham wants a new EU deal, saying the status quo is inadequate.
- Red Wall Labour MPs warn against reopening the Brexit debate.
- He declined five times to rule out a return to free movement.
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Brexit refers to the UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020. The UK now trades with the EU under a separate agreement, which sets rules for commerce and cooperation but does not give it the same access as membership.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour politician. Labour MPs Jonathan Hinder and Jonathan Brash represent constituencies where many voters backed leaving the EU, and have warned that changing the UK’s approach could upset those voters.
The debate involves possible economic benefits from closer ties, alongside concerns about uncertainty for businesses and how voters would respond. Free movement, which allows people to live and work across borders, is one of the issues that could arise in discussions about a closer relationship.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A closer EU relationship could improve trade and investment and support economic growth over time, as Andy Haldane suggests. Supporters can argue that discussing a better deal is a practical response to an arrangement they see as inadequate, and that keeping options open allows the country to weigh future benefits rather than treating Brexit as beyond debate.
The case against
Reopening Brexit risks reviving divisions and making Leave voters feel their choice is being dismissed, potentially weakening trust in Labour in constituencies where support for Brexit was strong. Without clarity on issues such as free movement or whether any major change would require a referendum, renewed debate could also create uncertainty for businesses and voters.