British Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to rule out including a pledge to rejoin the European Union in the next Labour Party manifesto, stating the matter was a question for "another day."
Speaking to reporters en route to New York for the UN General Assembly, Burnham emphasized his immediate priority was advancing a planned UK-EU summit later this year to strengthen economic ties. He described his focus as rebuilding relationships with the EU, which he argued were damaged in the early 2010s.
Key developments
- Burnham refused to rule out placing a rejoining pledge in Labour’s next election manifesto, diverging from predecessor Keir Starmer’s stance.
- He criticized the 2016 Brexit referendum, suggesting it was driven by "outside forces" attempting to "manipulate opinion," though he did not explicitly call for its reversal.
- The prime minister reaffirmed Labour’s Brexit ‘red lines’, including no return to the single market or free movement.
Policy focus and political implications
Burnham framed his approach as a continuation of efforts to restore UK-EU cooperation, highlighting stalled progress on a planned "reset" due to EU protectionist measures. He described his speech to the UN as an opportunity to declare Britain’s transition beyond a "decade of decline" linked to Brexit.
Political reactions and polling context
Labour MPs have urged Burnham to adopt a clearer stance on EU re-entry, with some advocating for it as a central campaign issue. Polling cited by The Independent indicates support for rejoining the EU has reached 61%, the highest recorded level. However, Burnham has not committed to this path, stating only that manifesto decisions remain unresolved.
Contradictions and clarifications
Burnham’s remarks appear to contrast with his stated commitment to Labour’s Brexit red lines, which exclude rejoining the single market or restoring free movement. He also did not specify a timeline for potential EU membership discussions, deferring such decisions to a future unspecified date.
Background: Labour’s evolving Brexit stance
Since taking office in July, Burnham has sought to distinguish his approach from Starmer’s, though he has largely maintained continuity on other policy fronts. His willingness to entertain the idea of EU re-entry represents a notable shift in tone, even as he prioritizes immediate economic and diplomatic engagements with Brussels.