Andy Burnham proposes Brexit reset and hints at rejoin referendum
Andy Burnham has vowed that the “public will be the boss” as he seeks to unpick Brexit and indicated that there will be another vote if the UK attempts to rejoin the EU, reports BritPanorama.
In a statement to parliament, the prime minister confirmed plans for a summit in Brussels next month aimed at reassessing the UK’s relationship with the EU. He emphasized the necessity of the meeting, where he may propose a path to rejoin the bloc in an effort to secure a more favourable deal.
Burnham cautioned MPs that “sticking with the status quo is not good enough” and stressed that “the public backs my pragmatic approach.” His remarks come as he calls for a reevaluation of Brexit to secure deeper ties with the EU.
He described ignoring the opportunity to negotiate a new deal as a “dereliction of duty” and reiterated that the public supports his vision. This assertion follows a weekend poll released by European Movement UK, which outlined a proposal for the UK to rejoin the EU by 2036 at the latest.
During parliamentary proceedings, a simultaneous debate in Westminster Hall, led by Labour MP Tony Vaughan, focused on a petition urging the UK to rejoin the EU, highlighting the growing impetus for redefining Britain’s role within Europe.
Prior to Burnham’s statement, representatives from major British automotive manufacturers, including Honda and Jaguar Land Rover, convened to discuss the negative impacts of the EU’s forthcoming “Made in Europe” regulations on supply chains. The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) articulated the need for both sides to pursue closer alignment to prevent disruptions.
Alessandro Marongiu, SMMT’s head of trade policy, pointed out that the UK-EU automotive trade is valued at around £70 billion annually, underscoring the importance of maintaining cooperative relations.
Burnham defended the legitimacy of the 2016 referendum despite acknowledging instances of Russian interference. He suggested that he may lead an effort to persuade the public to reconsider the decision, stating, “I’m determined to secure better for Britain.”
In exchange for support for a new deal, Burnham confirmed that a trade agreement on food and drink, alongside plans for a youth mobility scheme and initiatives surrounding emissions trading, will be discussed at the EU-UK summit on 20 November.
He believes that these initiatives could contribute an estimated £10 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040. However, he also noted potential challenges negotiating against the “Made in Europe” proposal, which he perceives as a threat to UK businesses.
Addressing concerns raised by Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, who accused him of undermining negotiation strategies, Burnham maintained: “I believe our chances of doing so will be enhanced by being open to discussion about our relationship with the EU in the longer term.”
His statement reflects a broader desire within certain political circles to revisit the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU, though opposition remains firm from various factions questioning the mandate for such discussions, as seen with Badenoch’s criticisms.
As political voices continue to debate the future of Brexit in the context of these shifting dynamics, the upcoming summit represents a critical juncture in U.K.-EU relations.
With negotiations set against a backdrop of economic imperatives, the stakes are evidently high as Burnham aims to redefine the terms of engagement with the EU—amid a landscape where clarity remains ephemeral.
