Burnham does not rule out a return to the EU: Labour seeks closer ties with Europe

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not ruled out the possibility of Britain returning to the European Union, while stating that his government intends to deepen economic and political ties with Brussels.

The remarks, made while traveling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, represent a significant opening on an issue that the Labour Party had previously ruled out in its position on Brexit. Burnham stressed that the immediate priority is the planned summit between the United Kingdom and the EU, which will focus on practical agreements to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

“For the moment, our focus is organizing a UK-EU summit, which we hope will take place later this year. The aim is to take the next step toward an agreement that will provide a further boost to the British economy and facilitate the movement of young people,” he said.

Burnham praised former Prime Minister Keir Starmer for improving relations with Brussels after Brexit, saying that his government wants to take this process further. The comments come at a time when pressure is growing within the Labour Party for broader cooperation with Europe and easier movement.