UK Prime Minister Says Rejoining EU Is ‘Among The Options’

Andy Burnham has suggested that rejoining the European Union could be among the options considered as the UK looks to reshape its long-term relationship with Europe.

The Prime Minister said the current Brexit settlement had caused “more harm than good” and argued that the Government should examine “what is doable” to improve relations with the bloc.

The comments follow his Labour conference speech, where he pledged to explore closer ties with the EU during a delayed summit later this year. His remarks could become a major political dividing line ahead of the next general election, with the Conservatives accusing him of reopening debates from the Brexit years.

Burnham said he did not want the UK’s future relationship with Europe to remain unresolved and wanted to set out where he believed Britain should go over the next decade. Asked whether the UK should seek to rejoin the EU, he said he wanted to “look at the options”.

He said possible routes could include maintaining the current arrangement, joining a customs union, moving towards the single market, or considering a full return to the EU.

Burnham stressed that each option would need to be assessed based on what was achievable and the potential advantages and disadvantages.

The comments mark a possible shift from Labour’s 2024 election position, which focused on making Brexit work while ruling out a return to the EU customs union or single market.

Burnham said Brexit had contributed to challenges around immigration and the economy, arguing that the current relationship with Europe was not sufficient. The Conservatives criticised the remarks, accusing Labour of trying to revisit Brexit divisions.

#MaltaDaily