British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has left open the possibility of considering the United Kingdom’s return to the European Union as one option for reshaping the country’s long-term relationship with Europe.
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In an interview with the BBC, Burnham said the post-Brexit deal had done “more harm than good”. He said he intended to examine “what is achievable” to improve relations with the European bloc.
The comments came a day after Burnham’s first speech at the Labour Party conference as prime minister. According to the BBC, such an approach could deepen divisions ahead of the general election, while the Conservatives have accused him of trying to “reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the years when the country was leaving the European bloc”.
Before taking office, Burnham had said he would not “revisit” the Brexit debates. However, the BBC sees his latest comments as the clearest signal yet that he may move away from Labour’s 2024 election manifesto. That manifesto promised to “make Brexit work” and ruled out returning to the EU customs union or single market.
Keir Starmer, Burnham’s predecessor, had sought a more limited improvement in relations with Europe. His plan included alignment with EU food standards, a youth visa agreement and bringing British industry closer to the European carbon trading system.
