Politics
Burnham opens door to debating Britain’s return to the EU
Prime Minister Andy Burnham says his government will weigh options ranging from closer trade ties to rejoining the European Union. He plans to set out choices for Britain’s long-term relationship with the bloc at a UK-EU summit later this year.
LIVERPOOL, England — Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the United Kingdom could consider rejoining the European Union as his government reviews the country’s future relationship with the bloc, nearly a decade after the Brexit referendum.
In an interview with the BBC broadcast Wednesday, Burnham said options could include a customs union, participation in the EU single market or “going all the way” back into the EU. He said the government would need to assess what was achievable and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Burnham told Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool on Tuesday that the Brexit arrangements negotiated by the Conservatives had done “more harm than good.” He said he would outline possible paths for Britain’s long-term relationship with its European partners at a UK-EU summit later this year.
The government will maintain its position against joining the single market or customs union before the next general election, according to the report. Burnham’s comments nevertheless put broader changes to the relationship on the political agenda beyond that election. His predecessor as Labour leader, Keir Starmer, had pledged not to rejoin either arrangement.
Conservative Deputy Leader Alex Burghart criticized Burnham’s remarks, saying the prime minister had recently called for the country to move on from Brexit arguments and was now reopening them by raising the prospect of EU membership.