British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has fundamentally shifted the UK’s political landscape by stating that Britain must seriously weigh its long-term relationship options with the European Union, explicitly leaving the door open to eventually rejoining the bloc.
Burnham has reopened one of the country’s most polarizing political debates, declaring that Brexit has caused “more harm than good”.
Addressing the Labour Party conference, Burnham signaled that the UK must evaluate all future relationship options with Europe, ranging from closer market alignment to eventually rejoining the European Union.
The remarks mark a sharp departure from previous government stances that sought to rule out rejoining the single market or customs union.
Burnham told delegates that the nation cannot afford another decade of uncertainty regarding its largest trading partner, announcing that an upcoming UK-EU summit will serve as a platform to lay out distinct structural choices for the country’s future.
While stopping short of an immediate push to reverse the 2016 referendum, he stressed that going “all the way” back into the European Union must remain part of the national conversation.
The pivot introduces high-stakes political theater ahead of future general election cycles, signaling a willingness to challenge long-held red lines.
Business leaders cautiously welcomed the pragmatic re-engagement with Europe, though domestic opponents immediately seized on the remarks, promising a fierce renewed battle over the legacy of Brexit.
BREXIT: ‘MORE HARM THAN GOOD’
Britain voted to leave the European Union in 2016, ending more than four decades of membership and triggering years of political upheaval, with successive governments grappling with the economic and diplomatic consequences of that vote.
Earlier on Tuesday, Burnham said he would use a November UK-EU summit to outline options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the bloc.
Burnham, who replaced Keir Starmer in July, has previously said he would like Britain to rejoin the European Union in his lifetime. He has argued that Britain could not afford another decade of uncertainty over the issue.
“I am very clear, and I will say this bluntly; Brexit has caused more harm than good,” he said. “So, the question is, what do we do about that?”
Burnham said Britain should examine different models for its long-term relationship with Europe and decide which offered the best path forward.
