Burnham to Call on MPs to Support Stronger Ties with EU

As MPs return from recess, Andy Burnham plans to bring Brexit discussions back to the Commons agenda. He warns that neglecting to seek a better deal with the EU would be a significant neglect of duty.

The Prime Minister will address the Commons on the first day back after the party conference break. He will emphasize the importance of acknowledging the negative impacts of Brexit and advocate for stronger ties with the EU to boost economic growth and address illegal immigration.

Ahead of the upcoming UK-EU summit, Burnham argues that Britain cannot afford to ignore opportunities for enhanced cooperation with Europe. He stresses that maintaining the current status quo is insufficient.

Burnham calls for a rational, clear-eyed evaluation of Britain’s relationship with Europe, urging MPs from all parties to support a pragmatic approach. He anticipates that most citizens would expect the government to capitalize on opportunities that could strengthen immigration controls and rejuvenate the economy.

A government source stated: “Andy understands why some politicians hesitate to acknowledge that Brexit hasn’t delivered as promised. It is time to shift the conversation towards what our long-term relationship with Europe should be.”

Failing to actively pursue a beneficial deal that promotes growth would be a serious neglect of duty, according to the source.

The Prime Minister's statement coincides with a debate in Westminster Hall on a petition urging Britain to apply to rejoin the EU, which garnered over 111,000 signatures.

This move comes amid increasing divisions over Britain’s relationship with Europe. Senior Conservatives have vowed to counter Labour’s push for closer EU ties, including a proposed agreement to ease post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade. Businesses warn that abandoning these arrangements could prolong costs and uncertainty due to border checks and paperwork.

However, the idea of a closer relationship with the EU has caused unease within Burnham’s own party. Some MPs from constituencies that voted to leave the EU fear that reopening the Brexit debate could revive old divisions, with senior ministers warning of the political and economic risks of seeking EU membership.

Burnham’s statement follows his claim that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. The Prime Minister has sought clarification on foreign interference since taking office, confirming Russian involvement, though he did not disclose evidence or suggest it changed the referendum outcome.

This marks a significant shift from Burnham's predecessor Keir Starmer, who ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union.

At Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Burnham declared that Brexit had caused more harm than good and promised to review Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU, including the possibility of fully rejoining the bloc.

The focus of Monday’s statement will be on immediate negotiations, with ministers aiming to reduce trade barriers, such as bureaucratic hurdles affecting food imports and exports, and enhance cooperation on migration.