Story perspectives

Labour’s Burnham Floats Future In-Out EU Referendum

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 2:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Labour leader Andy Burnham said a future Labour manifesto could include a new in-out EU referendum.
Burnham said the UK could stay, pursue an EU-Canada style relationship, or rejoin the EU customs union.
French President Emmanuel Macron said it would be very good news if the UK wanted to rejoin the EU.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said party would boost the economy by joining the single market and customs union.

History

Historical Context

Harold Wilson’s Labour government held Britain’s first national referendum on 5 June 1975, asking whether to stay in the European Communities; 67.2% voted ‘yes’ with a 64% turnout. The result guided UK-EU relations for four decades until the 2016 EU referendum reversed it. Today, Labour leader Andy Burnham cites Wilson’s vote while urging a new referendum.

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Story summary

Labour leader Andy Burnham said a future Labour manifesto could include a new in-out EU referendum.
Burnham said the UK could stay, pursue an EU-Canada style relationship, or rejoin the EU customs union.
French President Emmanuel Macron said it would be very good news if the UK wanted to rejoin the EU.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said party would boost the economy by joining the single market and customs union.

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