UK PM Burnham Opens Door to EU Rejoin, Calls Brexit 'More Harm Than Good'

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that rejoining the European Union is a possible option for Britain and described Brexit as having done "more harm than good." He plans to outline various future relationship options with the EU at a summit later in 2026, sparking internal Labour debate over removing manifesto constraints on closer EU ties and opposition criticism of reopening the Brexit question.

Quick Facts

Burnham stated Brexit did 'more harm than good'
Burnham said rejoining EU is one possible option for Britain
Burnham outlined four options: status quo, customs union, single market, or full rejoin
Burnham announced plans to present options at UK-EU summit
Creasy called for removing manifesto 'red lines' on EU

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that rejoining the European Union is a possible option for Britain's future, marking a significant shift in official government discourse on Brexit. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday and in a BBC interview on Wednesday, Burnham described the 2016 Brexit decision as having done "more harm than good" and called for the country to reconsider its long-term relationship with the bloc, which he described as "still our largest market."

Burnham outlined several options under consideration: maintaining the current status quo, joining a customs union, participating in the single market, or "going all the way" by rejoining the EU. When asked directly by the BBC whether he would like to see Britain rejoin, he responded: "I would like to see Britain rejoin in my lifetime," while emphasizing the need to examine what is "feasible" and the "advantages and disadvantages" of each option. He announced plans to present these options at a UK-EU summit scheduled for later in 2026, with European diplomats expecting the meeting to take place in Brussels on November 20.

The statements have prompted significant internal Labour debate. MP Stella Creasy called for removing the "red lines" set in Labour's 2024 manifesto that currently bar rejoining the single market or customs union, saying this is "the essential first step to restoring this country's place on the world stage." However, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander urged caution, stating the government must "respect the red lines that were set out in the manifesto" to maintain public trust, while acknowledging that "you can't have a conversation about the future of this country and not address this question."

Burnham also cited concerns over immigration and economic control, noting that Britain has "lost some control" over both as a result of leaving the EU. He credited Immigration Minister Shabana Mahmood with working to restore "grip over the system" and emphasized the need for continued collaboration with European partners on migration issues. The government also intends to work with the EU to address problems faced by British industries most affected by Brexit.

The opposition has responded sharply. Conservative Party deputy leader Alex Burghart accused Burnham of attempting to "reopen old wounds" from the Brexit debate, while Richard Tice, deputy leader of the anti-EU Reform UK party, claimed the Prime Minister is trying to "sneak the country" back into the EU "through the back door." Naomi Smith, chief executive of pro-EU campaign group Best for Britain, argued that Burnham should commit to full rejoin rather than pursue "half-measures," citing polling showing stronger electoral prospects for a clearer stance on EU membership.

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#rejoining #trade #European Union #Labour Party #manifesto red lines #customs union #EU #Brexit #UK-EU relations #Andy Burnham

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Why This Matters

The UK government's official openness to EU rejoin—reversing years of post-Brexit policy consensus—affects trade negotiations, regulatory alignment timelines, and Labour's electoral positioning ahead of potential 2026 EU discussions. The debate over manifesto "red lines" signals possible shifts in customs union and single market access rules; businesses reliant on EU supply chains and regulatory consistency will watch the November 2026 Brussels summit outcome. Opposition criticism and internal Labour disagreement indicate rising political friction over EU relations, potentially reshaping UK-EU economic, migration, and security cooperation frameworks.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2016

Wire

United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union

Jan 1, 2024

Wire

Labour Party published manifesto with red lines against rejoining single market or customs union

Sep 30, 2026

Wire

BBC interview with Burnham broadcast; he said he would like to see Britain rejoin EU in his lifetime

Nov 20, 2026

Wire

Expected date of UK-EU summit in Brussels to discuss future relationship options