Burnham signals potential full EU rejoin as UK weighs post-Brexit options

Key points

• Burnham told the BBC that the UK could 'go all the way' and rejoin the EU, listing it alongside other options like customs union membership or single market access.
• The Prime Minister acknowledged past comments expressing a desire to see the UK rejoin the EU during his lifetime, framing this as part of a long-term strategy to reset ties with Brussels.
• A YouGov survey cited by Euronews indicates that 56% of British voters now support rejoining the EU, suggesting a shift in public opinion ten years after the 2016 referendum.
• The previous UK-EU summit, scheduled for July, was cancelled in June after Keir Starmer resigned, halting progress on deals regarding agri-food trade and youth exchanges.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently opened the door to Canada becoming the EU's first 'associate member,' raising questions about how the UK might fit into the bloc's wider orbit.

Background

This development follows earlier coverage where Burnham defied prior Labour pledges by opening the door to full EU rejoin at the Labour Conference. Recent archive reports also highlight Burnham's deepening engagement with European security issues, including his visit to Kyiv to challenge Vladimir Putin and his confirmation of Iranian involvement in a terror plot at RAF Fairford. These events underscore a broader shift in UK foreign policy under Burnham, moving away from the isolationist stance of the previous administration.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews presents Burnham's comments as a pragmatic exploration of options, noting that the Prime Minister has been perceived as less focused on international issues than his predecessor but is now establishing a long-term strategy. The outlet highlights the potential precedent set by Canada's push for associate membership. In contrast, Sadiq Khan, writing for The Guardian, argues that Burnham is right to be honest about the harms of Brexit and urges the Labour Party to make the case for full rejoin within the current parliament. Khan cites economic data suggesting the UK economy could be £250bn smaller than comparable EU countries by 2030 if current trends continue, framing rejoin as essential for economic and geopolitical security. While Euronews focuses on the procedural and diplomatic aspects, Khan emphasizes the urgent economic necessity and the failure of the 'sunlit uplands' promise.

Why it matters

Burnham's statement signals a potential reversal of the UK's post-Brexit trajectory, which could have profound implications for trade, security, and domestic politics. With public opinion shifting and the EU exploring new partnership models, the UK's future relationship with Europe is becoming a central issue ahead of the next general election. The decision to pursue full rejoin, partial integration, or the status quo will determine the UK's economic growth and geopolitical alignment in a multipolar world.

What to watch

The government is expected to detail these options at a future UK-EU summit, potentially later this year. The Labour Party is likely to debate the extent of integration, with some members pushing for full rejoin and others advocating for customs union or single market access. Public opinion polls will continue to monitor support for rejoining, while European leaders will assess the UK's commitment to closer ties. The outcome of these discussions will shape the UK's trade policies and its role in European security and defense initiatives.