British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to outline multiple options for the UK’s future relationship with the European Union by the time of a planned summit with EU leaders later this year, describing Brexit as having done 'more harm than good' for the country’s economy and growth prospects.
In a speech to the Labour Party’s annual conference on Tuesday, September 29, Burnham stated that Brexit had triggered 'a decade of low growth' and weakened the UK’s position, while also claiming that 'control over immigration was weakened' following the loss of collaboration with EU partners. He emphasized the need to 'restore a higher level of growth and prosperity for Britain' and suggested that the current relationship with the EU is insufficient.
Key developments in Burnham’s stance:
Burnham confirmed he will present 'different options' for future EU ties, including rejoining the bloc, joining the customs union, or aligning with the single market, during a UK-EU summit anticipated in late 2026.
He explicitly stated that rejoining the EU is among the options under consideration, marking a significant shift from his predecessor Keir Starmer’s position, which had ruled out such a move.
Burnham also referenced remarks by former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, who in an interview with The Independent advocated for the UK to rejoin the EU customs union as a pragmatic step forward.
Reactions from European leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez both welcomed Burnham’s openness to closer EU ties, with Macron calling Brexit the 'biggest lie of the last 30 years' during a state visit to Madrid. He argued that Brexit had failed to deliver on promises of economic prosperity, immigration control, or enhanced trade, citing an 'eight-point drop in GDP over ten years' as evidence. Sanchez described Brexit as 'a huge loss, both for the British population and for the whole European project', and stated that Spain would welcome the UK back 'with open arms.'
Macron further cautioned that the UK cannot selectively adopt parts of EU membership while remaining outside the bloc, stating: 'You cannot choose between the freedoms of the union and decide to take what suits us and not the rest.'
Political and public response within the UK
Burnham’s remarks have sparked internal Labour Party debate, with Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra cautioning that returning to the EU is 'unrealistic.' Some Labour MPs have expressed concern that Burnham’s stance could alienate voters who supported Brexit in 2016, particularly in traditionally Labour-leaning areas.
Public opinion polling indicates growing support for closer ties with the EU. A YouGov survey from June 2026 found that 57% of adults believe Brexit was a mistake, while only 30% believe it was the correct decision. Among Reform UK voters, a Public First poll for Politico revealed that 50% support closer EU relations, with 39% favoring 'much closer' cooperation even if it requires following some EU rules again.
Options under consideration
Burnham has outlined several potential pathways for the UK’s future relationship with the EU:
Full re-entry into the EU: A return to full membership, including freedom of movement and compliance with EU regulations.
Rejoining the customs union: A proposal supported by Osborne, which would facilitate smoother trade without requiring full political alignment.
Single market alignment: Adopting EU single market rules without full membership, potentially including regulatory alignment and reduced trade barriers.
Maintaining the status quo: Continuing with the current post-Brexit trade agreement, though Burnham has suggested this is insufficient for addressing the UK’s economic challenges.
Burnham has framed the debate as part of a broader effort to shift the country in a new direction, stating: 'We’ve been in a rut. The country hasn’t been working for people as it should.' He has indicated that the decision on which option to pursue will be shaped by public consultation and political feasibility.
Implications and next steps
The announcement signals a potential early general election, with Burnham’s Labour Party preparing to include closer EU ties as a central plank of its next election manifesto. Political analysts suggest that Burnham’s willingness to revisit Brexit could galvanize support among younger and urban voters while risking backlash from traditional Labour supporters in post-industrial regions.
A UK-EU summit scheduled for late 2026 is expected to serve as a key milestone for formal discussions on the UK’s future relationship with the bloc. Burnham has pledged to present his proposals ahead of this meeting, framing the decision as a matter of national economic recovery and long-term prosperity.