Politics · United Kingdom · 1 hr ago
Burnham to argue for closer UK ties with the EU
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to tell the UK House of Commons that the government should pursue closer ties with the European Union if it can negotiate a deal.
He is expected to argue that Brexit has done more harm than good and that the current relationship is not good enough.
Burnham says a new deal could help address illegal immigration and support economic growth.
The UK and EU are due to hold a summit next month, after an earlier date was postponed following Keir Starmer’s resignation.
Burnham wants to discuss changes to current arrangements and the longer-term relationship between the UK and the EU.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposes reopening the Brexit debate, saying it would create uncertainty for businesses.
Andy Burnham is expected to tell MPs that rejecting a closer relationship with the European Union would be a “dereliction of duty” if a deal can be negotiated.
He is expected to argue that Brexit has done more harm than good and that the current arrangement is not good enough for Britain.
Burnham says a new deal could help tackle illegal immigration and boost economic growth.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has opposed reopening the Brexit debate, calling it “a terrible idea”.
A UK-EU summit postponed after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation has been rescheduled for next month.
- Who
- Andy Burnham is expected to make the case for closer UK ties with the EU. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposes reopening the Brexit debate.
- What
- Burnham is expected to argue that the UK should pursue a closer relationship with the EU if a deal can be negotiated.
- When
- He is expected to address MPs on Monday, 12 October 2026.
- Where
- In the House of Commons.
- Why
- Burnham says closer ties could help tackle illegal immigration and boost economic growth.
Andy Burnham
Kemi Badenoch
Closer EU ties
Andy Burnham
Burnham says the UK should seek a closer relationship if a deal can be negotiated.
Kemi Badenoch
Badenoch says reopening the Brexit debate is a terrible idea.
Brexit
Andy Burnham
Burnham says Brexit has done more harm than good and weakened immigration control by ending collaboration with European partners.
Kemi Badenoch
Badenoch says revisiting the issue would mean lost time, arguments with the EU and uncertainty for businesses.
face up to the reality that Brexit has done more harm than good
a terrible idea
Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.
the vast majority of the public would expect us to take it
Burnham pledged at the Labour Party conference to explore closer ties with the EU at a UK-EU summit.
Burnham told the BBC that a future Labour election manifesto could possibly promise a new in-out referendum on the EU.
Badenoch said reopening the Brexit debate was “a terrible idea” at her party conference.
Burnham is expected to set out his case for closer EU ties to MPs in the Commons.
The rescheduled UK-EU summit is due to take place.
- Speaker
- Andy Burnham
- Opposing view
- Kemi Badenoch called reopening the Brexit debate “a terrible idea
- Venue
- House of Commons
- Summit
- UK-EU summit rescheduled for next month
- Potential benefits
- Tackling illegal immigration and boosting economic growth
Sources
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