A Brexit reversal is on the table 10 years on from the vote that changed Britain. Here’s what’s at stake

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   PM Andy Burnham considers referendum to reverse Brexit

   Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that a future election manifesto could include a referendum on rejoining the European Union. Downing Street officials are currently gathering evidence from pollsters and think tanks to test public support for reversing Brexit. While Germany, France, and Spain have expressed alignment in welcoming the UK back to the EU to strengthen trade defenses against China, the move faces opposition from the Conservative Party. Nigel Farage has stated that reigniting the Brexit debate provides a significant boost to the Reform party.

   Why it matters

   This debate emerges ten years after the original referendum that led to the UK's departure from the EU. The government is weighing the move against economic stagnation and productivity concerns. A megapoll indicates half of the population wants to rejoin the bloc.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC it is possible a referendum on rejoining the EU could be included in a future election manifesto.
   • Senior Downing Street officials are consulting think tanks and pollsters regarding public support for reversing Brexit.
   • Germany, France, and Spain have expressed alignment on welcoming the UK back into the EU.
   • Nigel Farage claims the reopening of the Brexit debate will open the door to Reform.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Conservative Party members warn that rejoining the EU will shred post-Brexit trade deals.
   • A megapoll finds that half of the public wants to rejoin the EU and backing this could increase the Labour vote.

   What to watch next

   • The release of the Downing Street evidence gathering on public support.
   • The formal publication of a future election manifesto.
   • Official responses from the European Commission regarding the terms of UK reentry.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. reuters.com — Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences
   2. The Guardian — Burnham is right that ‘hope comes from honesty’. That’s why Labour must make the case for rejoining the EU
   3. The Guardian — Burnham’s reopening of Brexit debate is ‘biggest boost in my career’, says Farage
   4. BBC — Farage claims PM reigniting Brexit vote will 'open door to Reform'
   5. The Telegraph — Germany: We’ll do everything we can to get Britain back into EU
   6. Euronews.com — UK's Burnham floats going ‘all the way’ and rejoining the EU
   7. CNBC — A Brexit reversal is on the table 10 years on from the vote that changed Britain. Here’s what’s at stake
   8. politico.eu — Tories warn Burnham’s EU ‘pandering’ will shred post-Brexit trade deals
   9. Le Monde.fr — Burnham opens door to 'Breturn,' UK's return to EU
   10. The Guardian — Half want to rejoin EU and backing it could drive up Labour vote, megapoll finds
   11. Financial Times — Does the EU want Britain back?
   12. BBC — Andy Burnham should back EU membership now, says Plaid Westminster leader
   confidence 90%