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Burnham Signals Possible Brexit Reversal While Prioritising EU Trade Talks
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Burnham Opens Discussion on Brexit Reversal
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told reporters on his flight to New York that he could not rule out including a reversal of Brexit in Labour’s next election manifesto. He emphasized that the government’s immediate priority is a forthcoming UK-EU summit, which he hopes will take place later this year, and that the focus should be on securing deeper trading ties before any formal move to re-join the bloc.
Context of UK-EU Relations
Burnham noted that the “bridges” broken in the early 2010s have been rebuilt under his predecessor Keir Starmer, and that the next step is to reach practical agreements that boost the British economy. He referenced the ten-year anniversary of Brexit, which he will mark in a speech to the United Nations, arguing that the UK must remain vigilant against external actors seeking to influence its democratic process.
Government Positions on “Made in Europe” Legislation
The prime minister expressed concerns about the EU’s “made in Europe” rules, designed to limit China’s market share but potentially restricting British industry and supply chains. He said the UK enjoys considerable support from EU member states on this issue and will share its worries with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a constructive spirit. Burnham warned that disagreements over the legislation could cause “collateral damage” to delicate UK-Ireland supply chains.
Political and Economic Stakes
Labour MPs who opposed Brexit are pressuring Burnham to adopt a more pro-EU stance, citing potential growth benefits. However, Burnham’s own constituency of Makerfield voted to leave the EU, adding a political balancing act to his calculations. The government’s stance on the “made in Europe” rules is seen as pivotal to maintaining momentum in the broader EU reset.
Upcoming EU Summit and UN Remarks
Burnham will attend the UK/EU summit later this year, aiming to move beyond diplomatic rebuilding toward concrete trade agreements, including discussions on youth mobility. In his UN address, he plans to reflect on the decade since Brexit and call for a clearer-eyed approach to external manipulation of British politics.