UK PM Burnham Signals Britain Could Rejoin EU After Election

Andy Burnham, who became British prime minister in July, said this week that leaving the EU had done more harm than good and that the United Kingdom could consider rejoining the bloc after the next general election, reopening a debate that has been largely dormant since the 2016 referendum.¹²⁵⁷

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Reopening the debate

Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday, Burnham said bluntly that Brexit had failed to deliver for Britain. "I am very clear, and I will say this bluntly: Brexit has caused more harm than good," he said.⁷

The following day, on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Burnham set out a range of possible paths for the UK's relationship with the EU. "We could stay as we are. he said the UK could examine George Osborne's proposal for a customs union, consider the Liberal Democrats' suggestion of single market access, or go further still.³²⁵

According to Bloomberg, Burnham outlined three specific options for the future UK-EU relationship that would be discussed at a summit later this year.⁴

Burnham also acknowledged earlier remarks in which he said he hoped to see Britain rejoin the bloc during his lifetime. "I have said it, there's no point me denying it, I've said in the book I would like to see Britain rejoin in my lifetime," he said, adding, "I want to look at the options."⁵

International reaction

French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing reporters in Madrid, said Britain's return would be "very good news" but cautioned that the UK could not pick and choose which membership terms to accept. "You cannot pick and choose among the Union's freedoms, nor can you decide to take only what suits you," he said. He separately described Brexit as "the biggest lie of the last 30 years."⁷⁵

According to The Straits Times, Macron called the prospect of Britain's return excellent news and a good decision, saying Britain had been useful in helping simplify matters when part of the EU, though also a demanding partner. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that if the UK asked to rejoin, Spain would applaud and open its arms.⁶¹

Reaction at home

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice condemned the remarks, saying, "Andy Burnham has barely been prime minister five minutes and he's already trying to sneak us back into Brussels." Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake said, "You cannot trust a word Andy Burnham says."⁷⁵

According to The Japan Times, Burnham said he intended to stick with Labour's existing manifesto for the rest of this parliament but might campaign for EU membership at the next general election, which the outlet said would occur in 2029, a date not confirmed by other sources in the dossier. The Japan Times also reported this would be the first time since the 2016 referendum that a UK prime minister has suggested rejoining the bloc.⁸

Public opinion

Polling cited across the coverage points to growing public support for rejoining. A YouGov survey found 56% of British voters would back rejoining, while a Survation poll in June found 55% would opt to rejoin in a referendum. An earlier YouGov poll in June showed 55% support and 34% opposition.³¹⁷

Gary Knowles, 64, who works as a cleaner and hairdresser in Barking, east London, said his views had shifted since he voted to leave. "I voted 'out' because I thought it would be better, but no, it's not really," he said, adding, "I reckon 'In'." Roy Taylor, a 59-year-old actuary in central London, was described as more cautious about the debate.⁷

A postponed summit

An EU-UK summit originally scheduled for July 22 was postponed after Keir Starmer announced his resignation in June, a cancellation that Euronews reported also stalled plans for deals on agri-food trade and youth exchanges. Burnham replaced Starmer as prime minister in July, after Labour MPs removed him, according to The Straits Times.³⁷⁶

An EU official said the bloc was looking to hold the rescheduled summit in November, with negotiators hoping to present deals on food standards, youth mobility and emissions trading, though talks have stalled over British concerns about EU industrial plans. Politico reported that European officials have warned Britain would face a high-risk situation if the summit were delayed further, and that Burnham intends to move further and faster than his predecessor on resetting relations with the bloc.¹⁹