Full Breakdown
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Opens Door to Re-joining the EU
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Four post-Brexit pathways on the table
At the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the United Kingdom will consider four possible relationships with the European Union: maintaining the current framework, joining an EU customs union, re-entering the single market, or “going all the way” to full EU membership. He said ministers will examine “what is doable” and the “pros and cons” of each option ahead of a UK-EU summit later this year.
Background & Context: Brexit’s legacy and Labour’s 2024 red lines
The 2016 referendum ended more than four decades of UK membership and triggered a decade of economic and political turbulence. Labour’s 2024 manifesto ruled out a customs union, single-market membership, and free movement. Burnham’s statements therefore represent a potential reversal of those red lines, following polling that shows growing public scepticism toward the post-Brexit settlement.
Official Statements & Responses
Burnham framed the review as a response to what he described as “more harm than good” caused by Brexit, arguing that the country has lost control over both the economy and immigration.
EU ambassador Jukka Salovaara said the summit is expected later this year and will also address agriculture trade, youth visas, and carbon-emission cooperation.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart warned that Labour cannot blame a decade-old vote for current economic difficulties. Former Chancellor George Osborne—who has advocated a customs union—acknowledged the challenges of re-joining the EU but argued a customs union would ease economic pressure.
Former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Gove said that overturning Brexit would “drive frustration” by returning policy control to Brussels.
Data & Statistics
- Analyses by UKICE estimate that full EU membership could add 3-5 % to UK GDP.
- A “Swiss-style” arrangement would require the UK to pay £322 million annually to EU cohesion funds.
- Joining the European Economic Area could boost growth by 2-3 % but would breach Labour’s current red lines.
- The Institute for Public Policy reports a loss of £6.5 billion per year in EU exports due to non-mutual recognition of standards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are clearly options that need to be considered, and we have to look at what is doable and what would be the pros and cons of each,” — Andy Burnham
- “Brexit has caused more harm than good.” — Andy Burnham
What’s Next: Summit timeline and next steps
The UK-EU summit was originally scheduled for July 22 but was postponed after Burnburn’s predecessor resigned. Both sides have indicated a desire to hold the meeting before the end of the year, with Burnham expected to present the range of options and outline the decision-making process at that summit. No formal timetable for any change in the UK’s EU relationship has been set; any shift would also have to await the next general election, due no later than mid-2029.