Russia’s attempts to meddle in European politics underscore the necessity for Britain to strengthen its relationship with the European Union, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday, arguing that “the status quo is not good enough,” reports BritPanorama.
Burnham highlighted that Russia’s interference in democratic votes across Europe, including Britain’s 2016 EU membership referendum, emphasizes the importance of fortifying the U.K.’s links with its neighbours, which were weakened following Brexit.
In an address to lawmakers in the House of Commons, Burnham described it as “a dereliction of duty” not to pursue stronger ties with the 27-nation bloc that the U.K. exited in 2020.
The statement coincides with remarks Burnham made at the Labour Party’s annual conference last month, wherein he asserted that “Brexit has done more harm than good” and criticized the limited trade deal between Britain and the EU as a hindrance to the nation’s growth. He expressed intentions to seek political consensus on a renewed relationship, with options for rejoining the bloc being considered.
The U.K. and the EU announced Monday that they will convene for a summit in Brussels on November 20 as part of efforts to enhance their relationship. Burnham indicated that discussions will cover a trade agreement for food and drink, energy cooperation, and a youth experience scheme, along with deeper collaboration on immigration.
He posited that following the summit, there should be “a serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long-term.”
“If we are serious about promoting growth, controlling immigration, upholding our values and security, it is a conversation we must have,” he added.
This approach reflects a significant shift from prior positions where both Conservative and Labour governments hesitated to revisit the contentious Brexit discussions. While Burnham is aligned with the pledge of his Labour predecessor, Keir Starmer, not to rejoin the EU’s frictionless single market or customs union, evolving political dynamics may prompt a reevaluation ahead of the next national election, which is mandated to take place by 2029.
European leaders have welcomed the U.K.’s change in tone but remain cautious of any attempts to secure exclusive member benefits. The Brussels summit was originally slated for July but faced delays amid disputes over the bloc’s “made in Europe” rules, which Britain argues would adversely affect its producers.
U.K. lawmakers and intelligence agencies have issued warnings regarding the escalating threat of Russian interference in Britain’s democratic processes. Burnham, speaking on “The Rest is Politics” podcast, noted that upon becoming prime minister in July, he was informed by his advisers that Russia had attempted to influence the 2016 referendum.
Though the government later clarified that these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, Burnham’s spokesperson, Tom Wells, emphasized that the 2016 referendum result is considered legitimate.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Burnham for evidence of Russian involvement in the referendum, to which Burnham cited a historical record of Russian attempts to interfere in the U.K.’s 2019 election, stating that “it is inconceivable that this was the first time.”
Russia has consistently denied allegations of meddling in other nations’ elections or referendums. Meanwhile, Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage, a prominent Brexit supporter, dismissed Burnham’s claims as “outrageous,” asserting, “There was no Russian interference, and the Russia hoax has run all the way through this.”
