Politics · United Kingdom · 1 hr ago
Burnham to urge MPs to pursue closer ties with the EU
Andy Burnham is expected to address MPs as they return from a break, urging them to consider closer ties with the European Union.
He is expected to argue that Brexit has harmed Britain and that keeping the current relationship unchanged is not enough.
The government is seeking progress in talks with the EU on reducing trade barriers, including paperwork affecting food imports and exports, and on migration cooperation.
Burnham says closer cooperation could help the economy and strengthen immigration controls.
The debate comes before an upcoming UK-EU summit, while some Labour MPs fear that reopening the Brexit debate could revive divisions.
MPs are also due to discuss a petition calling for Britain to rejoin the EU, which has received more than 111,000 signatures.
The immediate focus is on negotiations over trade barriers and migration, while some senior Conservatives oppose the government’s moves towards closer EU ties.
Andy Burnham is due to urge MPs to pursue closer ties with the EU when they return to the Commons.
He will argue that failing to seek a better deal would be a “major dereliction of duty”.
Burnham says closer cooperation could support economic growth and help tackle illegal immigration.
His statement comes ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit, as ministers seek progress on reducing trade barriers and expanding migration cooperation.
The push has drawn opposition from senior Conservatives and concern from some Labour MPs.
- Who
- Andy Burnham, the prime minister, will address MPs.
- What
- He will urge them to pursue closer ties with the EU and seek a better deal.
- When
- On the first day MPs return after the party conference break; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- In the House of Commons.
- Why
- Burnham says closer cooperation could help economic growth and tackle illegal immigration, and that maintaining the status quo is not good enough.
Supporters of closer EU ties
Opponents and sceptics
Economic and trade arrangements
Supporters of closer EU ties
Burnham argues Britain should pursue closer cooperation and a better deal with the EU.
Opponents and sceptics
Senior Conservatives have vowed to reverse Labour’s moves towards closer EU ties.
Political risks
Supporters of closer EU ties
Burnham says MPs should take a pragmatic approach and not turn away from opportunities for cooperation.
Opponents and sceptics
Some Labour MPs fear reopening the Brexit debate could revive old divisions; senior ministers have warned of the risks of pursuing EU membership.
Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.
Andy understands why some politicians don’t want to face up to the reality that Brexit has not delivered what they once promised. But it is time for a different conversation about what our long-term relationship should be.
At Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good and promised to examine Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU.
Burnham declared that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Burnham is due to address the Commons and urge MPs to pursue closer ties with the EU.
Ministers are seeking progress on reducing trade barriers and strengthening cooperation on migration.
- Prime minister
- Andy Burnham
- Commons statement
- First day back after the party conference break
- Petition debate
- More than 111,000 signatures; debate due in Westminster Hall on the same day
- Trade issue
- Proposed agreement to ease post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade
- Brexit referendum
- 2016
- Publication date
- 12 October 2026
Sources
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