Chancellor and Burnham at odds over Brexit: ‘We had a referendum’
The prime minister has reopened debate about Britain’s relationship with the EU, saying Brexit weakened the economy and that rejoining could be discussed in future. Chancellor John Healey pushed back on the claim that growth would be stronger inside the EU or single market, while acknowledging Brexit had reduced growth and trade.
Healey said the government should focus on strengthening the UK economy and making the most of its resilience. The prime minister has said Labour could consider an in-out referendum at the next election and that freedom of movement would require public approval; he is due to meet EU leaders next month to pursue agreements on food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility. He says this approach is consistent with his earlier promise not to rerun the Brexit debate.
In short
- Healey disputes that EU membership would automatically mean stronger growth.
- He says Brexit has hit UK growth and trade.
- The prime minister is pursuing closer EU ties and a public discussion.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reopening the question is reasonable because Brexit has reduced growth and trade, and closer ties or eventual rejoining could improve economic opportunities. Supporters can argue that voters should be able to reconsider a major decision as its consequences become clearer, with any change subject to public approval.
The case against
The government should focus on strengthening the economy within the settlement voters chose, rather than renewing a divisive referendum debate. Critics can argue that practical agreements with the EU may bring benefits without reopening questions such as membership or freedom of movement, and that political attention is better spent on domestic growth.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union in 2020, following a 2016 referendum in which voters chose to leave. Brexit changed the rules for trade and movement between the UK and EU, and its effects on the economy remain debated.
The key figures are the prime minister, who has raised the possibility of closer ties with the EU, and Chancellor John Healey, who is responsible for the government’s economic policy. The EU single market allows goods, services, people and capital to move between member countries under shared rules.
The debate matters because the UK’s relationship with the EU can affect trade, economic growth and migration. Any move towards rejoining or closer integration would raise questions about public consent and the commitments involved.