Burnham Says UK Could Consider Rejoining European Union

LONDON: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that rejoining the European Union could be considered as one of the options for the United Kingdom’s long-term relationship with the bloc, marking a significant change in the government’s post-Brexit approach.

Speaking in interviews following his Labour Party conference speech, Burnham said the government would examine a range of possibilities, including maintaining the current arrangements, joining a customs union, returning to the EU single market or going “all the way” to full EU membership. He said the government would assess what was feasible as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Burnham said Brexit had “done more harm than good” and argued that Britain needed greater clarity over its long-term relationship with its European partners. He is expected to outline the possible options around the time of a delayed UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year.

The position represents a departure from Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out returning to the EU single market and customs union and rejected restoring freedom of movement between Britain and EU member states.

A return to the EU would involve substantial political and legal negotiations and would require the UK to seek membership under the EU’s accession framework. It would also raise questions concerning trade arrangements, regulatory alignment, freedom of movement and the UK’s future contribution to EU programmes and institutions.

Other possible models under discussion include closer customs arrangements, participation in the single market and various forms of associate or enhanced cooperation. Each would involve different levels of alignment with EU rules and institutions.

Burnham said the government intended to use the forthcoming discussions to establish a clearer long-term position on Britain’s relationship with Europe, rather than leaving the issue unresolved.