Andy Burnham has reopened the possibility of the UK rejoining the EU, saying full membership could be considered among options to strengthen ties with Europe. The proposal drew an encouraging response from French President Emmanuel Macron and supportive remarks from Spain's Pedro Sanchez. Polling shows a growing share of voters open to rejoining, but Burnham is constrained by Labour's 2024 manifesto and would face major political and technical obstacles, including likely opposition at home and complex negotiations with the EU.
‘Welcome Back’: UK PM Andy Burnham Reopens Debate Over Rejoining the EU
Prime Minister Andy Burnham believes Brexit has done more harm than good to Britain's economy (Oli SCARFF)
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has thrust the question of Britain rejoining the European Union back into the political spotlight, saying his Labour government could consider full EU membership as one of several options to repair ties with the bloc. The suggestion broke a long-standing taboo for a serving prime minister and prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to respond in English: 'Welcome back.'
What Burnham Said
Speaking at his party conference in Manchester, Burnham — who became prime minister in July after Labour MPs replaced Keir Starmer — described Brexit as having done "more harm than good," blamed it for "a decade of low growth," and said the UK must decide a long-term relationship with its largest trading partner. He pledged to set out "different options" ahead of a planned UK-EU summit later this year and told BBC radio potential approaches could include re-entering the single market and customs union, "or we could go all the way." He added: "We have to look at what is doable, and what would be the pros and cons of each."
European Reaction
Macron, speaking in Madrid after talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, welcomed the idea. 'If the British want to come back and if the prime minister is moving in that direction, I think that is very good news both for his country and for Europeans,' he said, adding simply: 'Come back.' Sanchez said Spain would 'applaud' and 'open its arms' should the UK seek to rejoin. A European Commission spokesman, Balazs Ujvari, said the EU would be open to engaging with any options London proposes.
Domestic Politics And Public Opinion
Burnham remains legally and politically bound by Labour's 2024 manifesto, which ruled out re-entering the customs union or single market and rejected restoring freedom of movement. He suggested to ITV that if public opinion moved decisively in favour of re-entry, he might include a pledge for another referendum in Labour's next election manifesto. The next UK general election is not expected before 2029.
Recent polling by Survation indicated 55% of voters would choose to rejoin if a new referendum were held, reflecting a shift in some public sentiment since the 2016 vote.
Responses At Home
Reaction across the political spectrum was mixed. Some EU-focused figures called the move a historic opportunity, while right-wing rivals accused Burnham of trying to reverse Brexit by stealth. At the Manchester conference and nearby streets, public views varied from concern that reopening the debate would be divisive to calls for full re-entry to remove travel restrictions and simplify movement.
Practical Hurdles Ahead
Any attempt to rejoin would face significant legal, political and technical hurdles. Officials note talks could be complicated by differences over regulation and industry protections — including EU proposals to label and protect certain goods as 'Made in Europe'. A UK-EU summit may be held later this year, potentially in November, though no date has been confirmed.
Context: Brexit was carried in the 2016 referendum by 52% to 48%. Rejoining would require lengthy negotiations with the EU and likely a major domestic political debate or referendum.
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