Burnham Opens Door To Possible UK Return To EU

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said rejoining the European Union could be considered as part of a wider review of Britain’s future relationship with the bloc.

Burnham said the government would examine several possibilities, ranging from maintaining the current arrangement to pursuing closer links through the EU customs union or single market, while leaving full membership on the table.

Speaking to the BBC, he said ministers needed to consider “what is doable” and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

The comments came a day after Burnham told the Labour Party conference that Brexit had caused “more harm than good” and promised to set out different options for Britain’s long-term relationship with its European partners.

He is expected to use a delayed UK-EU summit later this year to outline the government’s thinking.

Burnham’s position marks a change from Labour’s 2024 election platform, which pledged to remain outside the EU and ruled out returning to the single market or customs union.

The Conservatives have accused the prime minister of reopening the divisive Brexit debate.

Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016 after more than four decades of membership. Any move towards rejoining would require a future political mandate and negotiations with the bloc.