UK’s Burnham says he’ll consider push to rejoin EU
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the nation should evaluate post-Brexit options, including the possibility of rejoining the European Union. During his first Labour Party conference speech as leader and in subsequent interviews, Burnham declared that Brexit had done more harm than good and that the government would examine what is doable along with its pros and cons. While maintaining that a referendum is not appropriate at this moment, Burnham indicated the UK could go all the way by returning to the bloc or entering the EU customs union.
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- ✓ UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Brexit has done more harm than good.
- ✓ Andy Burnham confirmed he will consider pushing for Britain to rejoin the European Union.
- ✓ Spain and France have aligned on welcoming the UK back to the EU.
What changed
Prime Minister Andy Burnham explicitly opened the door to rejoining the European Union during his first conference speech and subsequent media appearances.
Live updates
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Considers Rejoining EU
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the nation should evaluate post-Brexit options, including the possibility of rejoining the European Union. During his first Labour Party conference speech as leader and in subsequent interviews, Burnham declared that Brexit had done more harm than good and that the government would examine what is doable along with its pros and cons. While maintaining that a referendum is not appropriate at this moment, Burnham indicated the UK could go all the way by returning to the bloc or entering the EU customs union.
Why it matters
The remarks signal a major shift in the political landscape regarding Britain's relationship with its European neighbors following the 2016 referendum. International reaction includes support from figures in Spain and France who align on welcoming the UK back. However, any formal reversal of Brexit faces complex trade-offs and conditions from Brussels.
What is confirmed
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Brexit has done more harm than good.
- Andy Burnham confirmed he will consider pushing for Britain to rejoin the European Union.
- Spain and France have aligned on welcoming the UK back to the EU.
Still unconfirmed
- Stella Creasy warned that Andy Burnham only has six months to start taking action on the EU process ahead of a pro-EU rally.
What to watch next
- Further statements from UK ministers regarding the practical pros and cons of EU options
- Official responses from Brussels regarding potential conditions for the UK to return
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- The Guardian — Andy Burnham: UK could ‘go all the way’ by rejoining EU
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Andy Burnham flags changes to Brexit in his biggest speech since becoming UK PM
- BBC — Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Andy Burnham
- politico.eu — UK’s Burnham says he’ll consider push to rejoin EU
- reuters.com — Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences
- www.theguardian.com — Andy Burnham: UK could ‘go all the way’ by rejoining EU
- www.gbnews.com — Andy Burnham tells GB News he is considering rejoining EU as PM makes major Brexit U-turn
- global.chinadaily.com.cn — Burnham hints at EU return for UK - Chinadaily.com.cn
- nz.news.yahoo.com — Burnham warned he cannot wait until next election to start process of rejoining the EU - Yahoo
- www.bbc.co.uk — Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Burnham - BBC
- www.euronews.com — Rutte responds to Moscow's nuclear threats, and the UK leader weighs re-joining the EU
- www.nst.com.my — UK PM Burnham sows seeds of "Breturn" that could excite markets
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