Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to fighting the next general election on the UK rejoining the European Union, though he emphasized that his immediate priority remains rebuilding bridges with European allies. Speaking to reporters on a flight to New York on Monday for the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham did not rule out including a reversal of Brexit in Labour’s next manifesto. However, he suggested the country should focus first on securing closer trading ties and practical economic agreements.
Immediate Priorities and the Upcoming UK-EU Summit
Burnham’s primary focus centers on an upcoming UK-EU summit expected to take place later this year, according to his remarks aboard the flight. The prime minister stated that his immediate goal is building upon the work done by Sir Keir Starmer to repair relationships that were broken in the early part of the decade. Burnham is scheduled to hold his first meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday. Discussions at the summit will address practical measures to boost the British economy, alongside EU requests concerning youth mobility.
Ministers have expressed private concerns that the EU reset has lost significant momentum since Burnham took office. Sources indicate the upcoming summit is likely to face further delays unless the bloc agrees to discuss legislation that risks locking British businesses out of parts of the EU industry.
Concerns Over ‘Made in Europe’ Legislation and Supply Chains
During his remarks, Burnham addressed specific challenges posed by the bloc’s “made in Europe” legislation. Designed to curb China’s growing presence, the policy could negatively affect British industry and supply chains. Burnham stated that he plans to share these concerns “in a constructive spirit” with von der Leyen, noting that issues regarding rejoining the bloc are “for another day.”
Burnham asserted that the UK holds considerable support among EU member states regarding its position on the legislation. He warned that delicate UK-Ireland supply chains could become “collateral damage” if disagreements persist, advocating instead for a “trusted partner approach.”
Did You Know? Prime Minister Andy Burnham represents the constituency of Makerfield, a seat that voted to leave.
Political Pressures and Divergent Views on Rejoining
While Burnham has pledged to maintain Keir Starmer’s red lines this side of an election, he faces mounting pressure from Labour MPs who opposed Brexit and argue that reversing course would boost economic growth. This internal debate mirrors broader discussions within British politics. According to reporting by The Independent, Minister for European Relations Hamish Falconer also declined to rule out a future manifesto pledge on rejoining, stating that future manifestos remain a question for the Labour Party. Meanwhile, pro-EU figures such as Lord Kinnock have publicly urged leadership to abandon previous constraints and campaign on full accession talks, a view championed by groups like the European Movement.
Expert Insight: Navigating the competing demands of pro-EU backbenchers and leave-voting constituencies presents a delicate balancing act for the prime minister. While economic pressures and supply chain protections push Whitehall toward deeper engagement, the political timing of any future accession push remains constrained by existing manifesto red lines and the immediate necessity of securing practical trade agreements.
Reflections on Democratic Security at the United Nations
In addition to trade and European relations, Burnham used his trip to New York to address broader democratic risks. During his flight on Monday, he previewed a speech slated for Tuesday night at the UN General Assembly, where he plans to reflect on the 10 years since Brexit. Burnham warned that the UK must remain clear-eyed about outside actors attempting to manipulate the British democratic process through distorted facts and political turbulence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andy Burnham’s immediate priority regarding Europe?
According to the prime minister, his immediate priority is continuing to rebuild bridges with European allies and securing practical economic agreements at an upcoming UK-EU summit.
Did Burnham rule out reversing Brexit in the next Labour manifesto?
No, Burnham did not rule out including a reversal of Brexit in the next manifesto, though he emphasized that the current focus remains on establishing closer trading ties.
What specific EU policy is causing concern for the UK government?
Burnham expressed concern over the bloc’s “made in Europe” legislation, warning that it could impact British industry, steel supply chains, and delicate UK-Ireland trade routes.
How do you think the government should balance closer trade negotiations with demands from pro-EU lawmakers for a future rejoin campaign?
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