Story perspectives

Burnham Pledges UK-EU Options, Including Possible EU Rejoin

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham said Brexit has done more harm than good and opened the door to re-joining the EU.
Burnham pledged at the Labour conference to outline UK-EU relationship options later this year.
Downing Street did not rule out that the options could include full EU membership.
EU officials warned Burnham that joining the Made In Europe procurement scheme would not be possible this year.

History

Historical Context

After Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson secured a 67.2% “yes” vote in the 5 June 1975 referendum—Britain’s first nationwide plebiscite, with about 64% turnout and a split Labour cabinet—confirming continued European Communities membership, subsequent governments deepened EU ties. Today, Labour mayor Andy Burnham urges a fresh review of the UK-EU relationship, echoing the 1975 decision as Downing Street debates re-entry.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham said Brexit has done more harm than good and opened the door to re-joining the EU.
Burnham pledged at the Labour conference to outline UK-EU relationship options later this year.
Downing Street did not rule out that the options could include full EU membership.
EU officials warned Burnham that joining the Made In Europe procurement scheme would not be possible this year.

1 / 2