Burnham puts EU membership among options for UK
The prime minister says ministers will assess the feasibility and trade-offs of several future arrangements, with choices expected around the November summit.
Andy Burnham has said the government will consider a range of options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the European Union, including rejoining. He said ministers would examine what is doable and the pros and cons of each.
The options include keeping current arrangements, entering a customs union, returning to the single market or pursuing full EU membership. Burnham said Brexit had done “more harm than good”, presenting that as his assessment of Britain’s departure.
The review marks a shift from Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out returning to the single market or customs union and restoring freedom of movement.
The options carry different obligations. A customs union would align tariffs on goods from outside the EU, but would not restore full single-market access or remove every border check. Joining the single market would require closer alignment with EU rules.
Burnham has given no detailed proposal or timetable. He plans to set out choices around the UK-EU summit in November; the government has not selected an option.
