LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND / RankWire.AI / – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has initiated a broader discussion about the United Kingdom’s long-term connection with the European Union. During the Labour Party conference, Burnham remarked that Brexit has caused “more harm than good,” emphasizing the need for Britain to decide how to engage with its main trading partner. The government intends to use the upcoming UK-EU summit in November to explore potential strategies, urging a review of practical options and their respective pros and cons.
On Wednesday, Burnham elaborated by outlining several possible frameworks for UK-EU relations. These options include maintaining current arrangements, moving toward closer economic ties such as a customs union, participating in the EU single market, or even rejoining the EU in the future. He clarified that he did not endorse any specific model but advocated for government evaluation of feasible paths and consensus-building on a long-term relationship.
His remarks signal a shift from his stance prior to becoming prime minister in July. In May, Burnham stated he did not propose Britain rejoining the EU and expressed respect for the 2016 Brexit referendum result, after which the UK voted to leave following over four decades of membership. While maintaining Brexit’s economic disadvantages, Burnham continues to call for a clearer agreement with Europe.
UK-EU Summit to Prioritize Trade and Migration
The November summit will form part of ongoing negotiations between London and European institutions. Burnham met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York on September 22, discussing summit preparations and collaboration on security, migration, and global trade issues. Both parties also addressed efforts to combat illegal migration and counter security threats. The UK government has expressed interest in strengthening its partnership with European nations.
In his Liverpool speech, Burnham linked the Brexit debate to immigration and economic growth, noting that leaving the EU had hampered cooperation on immigration controls and led to some loss of economic control amid sluggish growth. The government aims to secure additional benefits for sectors disrupted by Brexit, but Burnham emphasized that these measures alone won’t resolve the broader UK-EU relationship.
Debate Resumes Over Brexit Strategies
Public opinion remains divided a decade after the referendum. A June YouGov survey showed 55% of respondents support rejoining the EU, while 34% oppose. Meanwhile, 59% favor closer ties without rejoining, such as access to the single market or customs union. Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice dismissed Burnham’s approach, accusing the prime minister of trying to steer Britain back toward Brussels. Reform UK continues to oppose renewed EU membership.
Burnham indicated that the government will present the available models at the November summit before defining a long-term stance. This reopens discussions on Brexit, trade, immigration, and European cooperation as key policy areas. While the EU has shown support for enhanced UK collaboration in security and defense, specific summit objectives remain under negotiation. Since formally leaving the EU in 2020, Britain has yet to decide on rejoining the bloc, single market, or customs union.