# Burnham says Conservative Brexit deal went beyond referendum promises

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tory-brexit-was-harder-than-promised-in-eu-referendum-says-andy-burnham/
- Published: 2026-10-28T16:45:25+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T17:28:37+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/oct/28/tory-brexit-harder-promised-referendum-andy-burnham
- Topics: Business, Europe, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Burnham says the Conservative deal created a harder Brexit than promised.
- Ministers are to avoid advocating specific future EU options.
- Larger changes would be considered after the next election.

## Summary

Andy Burnham said the Conservative Brexit deal was more restrictive than what voters were promised in the 2016 referendum, and argued it had harmed the UK. He has told ministers to avoid publicly backing specific options for future EU relations while the government reviews its approach.

Burnham’s plan has two stages: initial changes must stay within Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitments, including remaining outside the EU customs union and single market and not restoring free movement. He plans to discuss longer-term options after the next election, with fundamental changes left for the public and the next parliament to decide; he is due to attend a European summit next month.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.