UK PM Burnham Reignites Brexit Debate With Push For Closer EU Relations

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reignited the country's divisive Brexit debate by calling for closer ties with the European Union (EU), arguing that leaving the bloc has damaged Britain's economy and weakened its ability to control immigration. On his 100th day in office on Tuesday, October 27, Burnham said Britain needed an evidence-based discussion about its future relationship with Europe, including the possibility of rejoining the 27-member bloc.

Burnham told the Sunday Times that closer European ties could boost economic growth and improve migration control. He argued that leaving the EU had deprived Britain of access to certain European databases and cooperation arrangements that previously helped manage unauthorised migration.

Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016, by 52 per cent to 48 per cent, after more than four decades of membership. It formally left in 2020 under a trade agreement that introduced new barriers to business with its largest nearby market. Many economists believe Brexit has harmed the British economy, although politicians have largely avoided reopening the politically sensitive issue.

However, Burnham has clarified that he will not propose rejoining the EU during the current parliamentary term. Downing Street said on Monday that he was not favouring any particular long-term option, and that closer ties remained a matter for public debate rather than settled government policy.

The immediate focus is a UK-EU summit in Brussels on November 20, where leaders are expected to discuss practical agreements covering food and drink trade, energy, emissions trading, security and migration cooperation. A proposed youth mobility arrangement allowing young people to work temporarily across Britain and the EU has also faced disagreements over visa limits, tuition fees and healthcare charges.

Burnham has said the government will seek public views on Britain's longer-term relationship with Europe, with broader options potentially considered before the next general election, which must be held by 2029.

His position has drawn criticism from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a prominent Brexit campaigner, who said Burnham had no mandate to reopen the issue. Some Labour lawmakers have also warned that revisiting Brexit risks reviving old political divisions.