UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called on Britain to evaluate its long-term options regarding the European Union with potentially rejoining the bloc. Speaking at the Labour Party's annual conference and in a BBC interview on Wednesday, Burnham stated that Brexit has "done more harm than good" and failed to deliver on its promise to strengthen the economy.
Burnham outlined several future possibilities for Britain, ranging from remaining in the current post-Brexit framework to joining the EU single market, entering a customs union or pursuing full EU membership once again. "We could stay as we are... or we can go all the way" Burnham remarked, stressing that each model must be assessed on its practical feasibility, benefits and drawbacks.
The proposal reignites a debate that has divided British politics since the 2016 referendum which ended over four decades of UK membership in the bloc. While Burnham who took office in July expressed a desire to see Britain rejoin the EU in his lifetime, he noted that the UK cannot afford another decade of political uncertainty.
Burnham plans to lay out these structural options ahead of the upcoming UK-EU summit expected in November. However, any formal shift in policy would face political hurdles including opposition from Nigel Farage's Reform UK party which accused the prime minister of attempting to reverse Brexit.
Additionally recent polls show broad public support for closer EU ties, enthusiasm declines when considering conditions like adopting the euro or contributing to the EU budget.
