Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Burnham seeks consensus on closer UK-EU ties amid Brexit debate
Andy Burnham wants the United Kingdom to build closer ties with the European Union.
He said Brexit has caused more harm than good.
He plans to discuss different choices for the country’s future relationship with Europe.
He wants people in Britain to agree on one of those choices.
Burnham has said he would like Britain to rejoin the EU someday, but he is not currently proposing that.
He also says the result of the 2016 referendum must be respected.
The debate is happening while Europe faces security concerns and changing trade policies.
Britain is separately trying to cooperate with European countries on defense and manufacturing.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Brexit has done more harm than good.
Burnham plans to use a November summit with the European Union to present options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the bloc.
He said he would seek consensus around one option, while respecting the 2016 referendum result.
The proposed closer relationship follows Keir Starmer’s efforts to rebuild ties with the European Union.
The United Kingdom is also seeking cooperation with Europe on defense investment and manufacturing amid changing global alliances.
- Who
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are central to the report.
- What
- Burnham is seeking consensus on closer ties between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
- When
- The remarks were reported on Tuesday, ahead of a planned November summit.
- Where
- The announcement was made at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, England.
- Why
- Burnham said closer ties could improve growth and prosperity, while changing security and trade conditions are reshaping alliances.
Closer European ties
Caution over reopening Brexit divisions
Economic relationship
Closer European ties
Burnham argues that Brexit has done more harm than good and that closer ties could support growth and prosperity.
Caution over reopening Brexit divisions
The report says the issue remains divisive after years of political instability and weak economic growth, making a new debate politically sensitive.
Future relationship
Closer European ties
Burnham wants to present several options and seek agreement on one for a closer relationship with the European Union.
Caution over reopening Brexit divisions
Burnham says he is not proposing that Britain rejoin the European Union and that the 2016 referendum result must be respected.
European cooperation
Closer European ties
Closer cooperation could help the United Kingdom participate in European defense investment and manufacturing initiatives.
Caution over reopening Brexit divisions
The United Kingdom’s attempt to join a collective European defense investment program has so far been unsuccessful.
- Speaker
- Andy Burnham, described in the report as the United Kingdom’s prime minister
- Main proposal
- Seek consensus on options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the European Union
- Upcoming event
- A planned United Kingdom-European Union summit in November
- Brexit position
- Burnham said Brexit has done more harm than good
- Referendum
- Burnham said he respects the result of the 2016 referendum
- Defense cooperation
- The United Kingdom has unsuccessfully sought to join a collective European defense investment program
- Manufacturing
- Britain is lobbying Brussels to join a broader “Made in Europe” manufacturing program