Andy Burnburn urged to pursue EU single-market access via a “European Confederation”

Former Conservative minister Nick Boles – now a Labour adviser – has urged newly elected Prime Minister Andy Burnham to negotiate a “European Confederation” with the EU. The arrangement would grant the United Kingdom access to the EU single market and youth-mobility schemes while avoiding free-movement of workers and eurozone membership. Boles says securing single-market access would give Burnham a “devastating” political advantage over the Conservatives and Reform Party in the next general election.

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The UK’s 2016 referendum resulted in a 64 % Leave vote in Burnham’s Makerfield constituency. Labour’s “reset” of EU relations under Sir Keir Starmer has been criticised as insufficiently ambitious.

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Research commissioned by Best for Britain and carried out by Frontier Economics estimates that re-joining the single market could add £92 billion to UK GDP and recoup at least 90 % of the economic loss attributed to Brexit. Tom Brufatto, executive director of policy and research at Best for Britain, says the boost would stem from restored market access and a say over its rules.

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Opposing views caution that the benefits depend heavily on the terms of re-entry. Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM, describes a single-market return as a “red herring,” arguing that while a net gain is likely under the pre-Brexit arrangement, it would not offset the 4-6 % loss already incurred. He notes limited prospects for renewed migration inflows and investment, given competition from countries such as Ireland.

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• Public opinion: A YouGov poll conducted in June to mark the 10-year anniversary of the EU referendum found that 59 % of voters favour a closer UK-EU relationship, while 20 % oppose it.

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• Single-market support: Half of respondents back re-joining the single market, compared with 26 % who oppose.

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• Trade exposure: In 2025, 41 % of UK exports are to EU member states, highlighting the significance of friction-free trade.

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The government’s communications team said:

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> “We are building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will strengthen our economy and create more opportunities for working people and communities across Britain.” — government spokesperson

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• “There’s a moment in Europe, whether we take advantage of it or not – they’re all talking about how they’re going to deal with this changed world.” — Nick Boles

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