The UK’s Brexit debate has been reopened after Andy Burnham used his first speech as prime minister at his party’s conference to suggest Britain could rejoin the bloc, reports BritPanorama.
The prime minister acknowledged he could go “all the way” and propose rejoining the EU as he considers the UK’s future relationship with Brussels. He also suggested it is “possible” Labour’s next election manifesto could include an in-out referendum.
The campaign to rebuild ties with Brussels has gathered momentum since Labour took power in 2024, with Burnham indicating that the party could address the EU relationship in future electoral strategies. He emphasized that while the direction of public opinion will be pivotal, he is not immediately calling for a referendum but remains open to it should there be widespread support.
Burnham has argued that simply leaving the situation unresolved is “not good enough,” and he is committed to examining all options for the UK’s engagement with the EU. Since taking office, he has made it clear that returning to the EU is a personal ambition, stating, “I said in my lifetime and I’ve said that I’m not going to pull back from that.”
His comments come in the lead-up to a significant EU summit later this year, marking a crucial moment for the UK as it seeks to negotiate terms with the bloc. Burnham’s predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, had already made strides in improving EU relations following years of tension under previous Tory administrations, which has laid a stronger foundation for Burnham’s current approach.
Under Burnham’s leadership, a new agreement signed in 2025 aims to provide the UK with reduced food and energy costs. Britain has also rejoined the EU’s Horizon science programme and is set to participate in Erasmus+ for educational exchanges starting next year. However, several contentious issues remain, particularly surrounding the proposed youth mobility scheme that could allow limited movement between the UK and EU.
The EU has consistently made clear that the UK would be welcome to rejoin if it wishes, with leaders from Germany, France, and Spain echoing support for the UK’s potential return. French President Emmanuel Macron described a UK re-entry as “excellent news,” stressing that there would be no “halfway house” on membership criteria.
However, it is unlikely that the UK would rejoin under the same conditions previously enjoyed. Returning might entail a need to adopt the Euro and join the Schengen zone, facing resistance due to the stringent financial adjustments required—a concern echoed from former EU Brexit officials.
Public sentiment appears to shift in favour of closer ties with the EU, as a recent poll indicated that 49% of UK voters now support rejoining, with 28.5% against. The poll suggests that rekindled negotiations might even bolster Labour’s electoral prospects, with significant support for cutting trade barriers and establishing a customs union.
As the political landscape evolves, the discourse surrounding the UK’s relationship with the EU is likely to continue, feeding into broader public sentiment and electoral strategies moving forward.
