Andy Burnham says UK could go all the way by rejoining EU

Burnham's statement and the political backdrop

At the Labour Party conference, Andy Burnham opened a discussion about the United Kingdom potentially rejoining the European Union. His remarks came after the prime minister hinted at reviewing the country’s post‑Brexit relationship with Brussels. Burnham’s comment that Britain could "go all the way" signals a shift in Labour’s public position on the EU.

What Burnham said at the conference

During a televised interview, Burnham argued that the decision to leave the EU in 2016 has caused "more harm than good". He suggested that a full return would allow the UK to regain influence over trade rules, environmental standards and security cooperation. The Labour leader stressed that any move would require a thorough assessment of "what is doable" and a balanced view of the pros and cons.

Reactions from the prime minister and other parties

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded by saying his government is examining all options, including a possible closer relationship with the EU. Opposition parties have mixed responses. The Conservative Party remains largely committed to the current trade arrangements, while the Liberal Democrats have long advocated for a second referendum on EU membership.

Legal and procedural steps for rejoining the EU

Re‑entry into the European Union is not a simple reversal of the 2016 vote. It would involve a series of legal and diplomatic procedures.

Treaty requirements and accession process

The EU treats a returning member as a new applicant. The United Kingdom would need to submit a formal application, negotiate terms under the Treaty on European Union and meet the Copenhagen criteria, which cover democratic standards, a functioning market economy and the ability to adopt EU law.

Parliamentary role and the possibility of a referendum

Any accession plan would require approval from both Houses of Parliament. Many experts argue that a public referendum would be necessary to give the process democratic legitimacy. The UK Parliament would likely hold a series of debates and committee hearings before any vote.

Economic and political arguments

Both sides of the debate present compelling points.

Potential benefits highlighted by Burnham

• Regaining access to the EU single market, which could boost exports.
• Influence over EU regulations that affect UK industries.
• Enhanced cooperation on climate policy and research funding.
• Improved security collaboration through EU mechanisms such as Europol.

Counterarguments from Brexit supporters

• Loss of legislative sovereignty to Brussels.
• Potential financial contributions to the EU budget.
• Risk of domestic political instability during negotiations.
• Concern that re‑entry could undermine the referendum result of 2016.

International perspective

The European Union has expressed openness to any country that meets the accession criteria, but it also wants to avoid setting a precedent for rapid re‑entry.

EU’s stance on a new member

According to the European Commission, the accession process can take several years and involves rigorous screening. The EU would assess the UK’s compliance with the rule of law, financial commitments and alignment with EU foreign policy.

Impact on the UK’s global relationships

Rejoining the EU could reshape the United Kingdom’s trade deals with non‑EU countries. Some analysts suggest that a closer EU relationship might strengthen the UK’s position in negotiations with the United States and Commonwealth partners, while others warn of possible conflicts with existing bilateral agreements.

Implications for the upcoming election

The timing of Burnham’s remarks coincides with the run‑up to the next general election. Labour’s stance on the EU could become a decisive issue for swing voters in constituencies that felt the economic impact of Brexit most acutely.

Polling data from the Ipsos MORI indicates that a significant share of the electorate remains dissatisfied with the current post‑Brexit trade arrangements. If Labour can present a clear, realistic plan for re‑joining, it may capture voters who are disillusioned with the status quo.

Conversely, the Conservative Party may double down on the narrative that re‑joining would erode national sovereignty. Their campaign could focus on highlighting the financial and regulatory costs of membership, as well as the political risk of overturning the 2016 referendum.

Ultimately, the debate over EU re‑membership is likely to dominate political discourse in the months ahead. Whether Burnham’s suggestion translates into policy will depend on parliamentary negotiations, public sentiment and the willingness of EU institutions to engage with a former member seeking a fresh start.

As the United Kingdom navigates this complex crossroads, the conversation about re‑joining the EU is reshaping the country's strategic outlook and testing the resilience of its democratic institutions.