Labour Brexit Divisions
Andy Burnham Urges UK Government to Review Long-Term Relationship With EU
Anonymous
Andy Burnham has said the government should examine options for the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU, including potentially rejoining, arguing Brexit has harmed the country’s growth and control. He plans to set out those options at a delayed summit with EU leaders, a possible departure from Labour’s 2024 pledge not to rejoin the customs union or single market. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urging Burnham to make the case for rejoining now, proposing a rapid return to the customs union, associate EU membership and a manifesto pledge to rejoin without another referendum; Labour MP Stella Creasy has also called for the party to reconsider its limits on closer EU ties. Former prime minister Tony Blair has backed working toward a return within a decade, subject to EU reform. Labour is divided: Unite leader Sharon Graham says voters’ decision to leave should not be undone, while Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds opposes reopening the Brexit debate and returning to the customs union. Conservatives have accused Burnham of reviving Brexit-era divisions.
Key Points
1
Burnham had previously promised during the Makerfield by-election campaign not to “re-run” Brexit arguments and said he was “not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU,” a marked shift from his latest comments.
2
Before the change in direction, Labour’s proposed reset with the EU had focused on narrower measures, including aligning with EU food standards, a youth visa deal and reconnecting British industry to the EU carbon-trading regime.
3
Burnham has linked the delayed EU summit to a wider domestic agenda, saying he also wants to publish a 10-year plan to transform the UK economy.
4
Unite leader Sharon Graham said the UK should seek closer ties with Europe where possible, while arguing that the government could act on domestic industry now—for example, by ensuring UK projects use UK steel.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
26
Articles
74
Reach
100
A
AnonymousAuthor
