Story perspectives

Burnham Puts EU Rejoin Option to Public Vote

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 2:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Minister Andy Burnham announced Britain will consider EU relationship options, including re-joining, at the Liverpool Labour conference.
Officials consulted think-tanks and pollsters to gauge public support for re-joining.
A Messina Group poll of 11,461 adults showed 49% support and 28.5% opposition to re-joining.
Two-thirds of Labour cabinet ministers, representing Brexit seats, feared re-joining could boost Reform UK, as noted on 30 September 2026.

History

Historical Context

The first UK-wide referendum, held on 5 June 1975 under Prime Minister Harold Wilson, asked voters whether Britain should stay in the European Communities; 67% approved the stay with 64% turnout. The campaign split Labour, saw Conservative and pro-Europe groups active, and set a precedent for later EU debates, echoed today by Labour leader Andy Burnham citing a 49% Messina Group poll.

1 of 2

Story summary

Minister Andy Burnham announced Britain will consider EU relationship options, including re-joining, at the Liverpool Labour conference.
Officials consulted think-tanks and pollsters to gauge public support for re-joining.
A Messina Group poll of 11,461 adults showed 49% support and 28.5% opposition to re-joining.
Two-thirds of Labour cabinet ministers, representing Brexit seats, feared re-joining could boost Reform UK, as noted on 30 September 2026.

1 / 2