Burnham opens door to full EU rejoin, defying prior Labour pledges

Key points

• Burnham told the Labour Conference that the Brexit settlement has done 'more harm than good' and pledged to outline options for the UK's relationship with Europe at a delayed UK-EU summit later in 2026.
• In a BBC interview, Burnham stated the UK could 'go all the way' to rejoin the EU, or consider a customs union or single market access, while acknowledging that staying as is remains an option.
• This stance contradicts the 2024 Labour manifesto and predecessor Keir Starmer's promise not to rejoin the EU's single market or customs union, though Burnham's government will maintain the previous position until the next general election.
• Conservative Deputy Leader Alex Burghart and Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice criticized Burnham for reopening Brexit debates and accused him of trying to rejoin the EU 'via the back door'.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the potential return, with Sanchez stating Spain would welcome Britain back 'with open arms'.
• Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Burnham to stop with 'maybes' and begin negotiating a deal to join the single market and customs union immediately.

Background

This development follows a period of strained UK-EU relations since the 2016 Brexit referendum. In August 2026, Prime Minister Burnham faced security concerns after exchanging messages with an impersonator of a White House aide, and he also addressed security arrangements for the return of Prince Harry and Meghan to the UK. These events occurred alongside broader geopolitical shifts, including Iceland's ongoing debate on restarting EU accession talks. Burnham's current pivot on EU relations represents a significant departure from the 'make Brexit work' strategy pursued by his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who had focused on limited resets such as aligning food standards and carbon trading regimes.

How outlets are covering it

POLITICO and BBC both report Burnham's statement that the UK could 'go all the way' to rejoin the EU, but BBC provides additional detail on the political fallout, including reactions from the Green Party and Liberal Democrats. POLITICO emphasizes the contradiction with the 2024 Labour manifesto and Starmer's prior stance, while BBC highlights the potential for a major dividing line at the next general election. The Telegraph source was inaccessible due to a security block, so no perspective from that outlet could be synthesized. All accessible sources agree on Burnham's core message but differ in emphasis: POLITICO focuses on the policy shift, while BBC details the broader political reactions and international responses.

Why it matters

Burnham's statement signals a potential fundamental shift in UK-EU relations a decade after Brexit, potentially reshaping trade, immigration, and regulatory frameworks. The move could redefine the political landscape ahead of the next general election, with major parties and opposition figures reacting sharply. It also tests the limits of Labour's prior commitments and could influence public opinion on the UK's long-term relationship with Europe.

What to watch

Burnham plans to present detailed options for the UK's relationship with the EU at a UK-EU summit later in 2026. The next general election will likely feature a major debate on EU rejoining, with Burnham potentially campaigning for a mandate to pursue closer ties. The UK government will maintain its current position until the election, but the post-election period may see a decisive push to reboot the relationship with the EU.