Burnham EU stance shifts as PM says Brexit caused ‘harm’

How the Burnham EU debate could shape the next election

Andy Burnham suggested rejoining the bloc as one of the options for Britain's future relationship with the continent.

The Prime Minister says he wants to explore "what is doable" to repair relations with Brussels.

The remarks follow his Labour conference speech on Tuesday, where he pledged to explore closer EU ties, which could happen at a delayed summit later this year.

Conservatives have come out, accusing Burnham of trying to "reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years."

The shift marks a sharp turn for Burnham. As a candidate in the Makerfield by-election, he promised not to "re-run" Brexit arguments.

He previously shared that he was "not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU."

His latest comments break from Labour's 2024 manifesto, which promised to "make Brexit work."

That manifesto ruled out rejoining the customs union or single market, despite former chancellor George Osborne words urging the UK to rejoin the EU customs union.

Burnham's predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, tried a more limited reset with Brussels.

That included aligning UK food standards, a youth visa scheme and closer ties to the EU's carbon trading regime. But Starmer's departure delayed a summer EU summit planned later in the year.

Burnham also plans to publish a ten-year economic plan around the same time.

So, is the UK going to rejoin the EU? Not quite.

Burnham has only floated rejoining as one option among several, and there is no timetable beyond the delayed EU summit expected later this year.

What can be said is that UK talks with the EU will take place, discussing future options into possible agreements that could benefit both Unions.