Story perspectives

Burnham Won’t Rule Out EU Rejoin Pledge at UN

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 10:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

PM Andy Burnham said he would not rule out a Labour pledge to rejoin EU at UN Assembly in New York.
Burnham warned the EU’s Made In Europe rules could cause collateral damage to British manufacturing.
He plans to build on Keir Starmer’s “Brexit reset” to boost the British economy.
Burnham will meet Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday at the UN summit to discuss the UK-EU relationship.

History

Historical Context

After joining the European Communities on 1 January 1973, Britain held its first national referendum on 5 June 1975; Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s government asked voters to decide, and 67 % approved continued membership with 64 % turnout. The result anchored a pro-European consensus that lasted until the 2016 Brexit vote, and today Labour leaders Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer cite that legacy while negotiating with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the UN.

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Story summary

PM Andy Burnham said he would not rule out a Labour pledge to rejoin EU at UN Assembly in New York.
Burnham warned the EU’s Made In Europe rules could cause collateral damage to British manufacturing.
He plans to build on Keir Starmer’s “Brexit reset” to boost the British economy.
Burnham will meet Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday at the UN summit to discuss the UK-EU relationship.

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