British Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to present a menu of pathways for reshaping the UK’s relationship with the European Union ahead of a high-stakes summit scheduled for later this year.
The announcement marks a turning point in Britain’s post-Brexit trajectory. Burnham delivered the message Tuesday at Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, where he told delegates that Brexit had inflicted more damage than benefit. He argued the country cannot secure a prosperous future without first defining a permanent framework for dealing with what remains its largest trading partner.
The timing matters. Nearly a decade after the divisive 2016 referendum, pressure has mounted from senior Labour voices to reconsider Britain’s place in Europe. Burnham previously signaled support for rejoining the bloc, though he softened that stance during May’s Makerfield by-election campaign. Since taking office in late July, however, he has steadily pursued warmer ties with Brussels.
“We will not give Britain the clear path we need into the rest of this century until we decide on a long-term relationship with what is still our largest market,” Burnham said to applause.
He committed to using the upcoming summit as a moment to lay out distinct options before both the public and parliament, then building consensus around one direction. “I cannot declare to you truthfully that where we are is good enough,” he added.
The proposal has triggered sharp resistance from the political right. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of threatening to reignite the Brexit wars. Reform UK MP Richard Tice went further, branding the effort a new Battle of Britain.
Opposition may also surface closer to home. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently cautioned against reopening the membership debate, signaling that even within Labour, the path forward remains contested.
