Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to rule out including a Brexit reversal in Labour's next manifesto, though he said his immediate focus is on rebuilding relations with the EU ahead of his first meeting with Ursula von der Leyen.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham did not rule out including reversing Brexit in Labour's next manifesto.
- He said his immediate priority is rebuilding bridges with European allies.
- Burnham suggested the UK should focus on securing closer trading ties first.
- He is due to hold his first meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to fighting the next election on the question of the UK rejoining the European Union, according to the Guardian. However, he stressed that his immediate priority was continuing to rebuild bridges with European allies.
Asked about the issue, Burnham did not rule out including a reversal of Brexit in Labour’s next manifesto. Instead, he suggested the country should focus on securing closer trading ties with the EU before taking further steps.
The comments come as the prime minister prepares for his first meeting with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, which the Guardian reports is scheduled for Tuesday.
According to the Guardian, Burnham skirted the question of a Brexit reversal, framing his current approach around repairing relationships with European partners rather than committing to a specific manifesto position.
By declining to explicitly rule out the option, Burnham has left open the possibility that rejoining the EU could feature in Labour’s platform at a future election, while signalling that closer trading arrangements are the more immediate goal.
Why it matters
Brexit remains one of the most consequential and divisive issues in British politics, and any suggestion that rejoining the EU could return to the ballot would reshape debate for voters and businesses alike. Burnham's careful positioning signals how Labour may approach EU relations without committing to a firm stance.
Frequently asked questions
Did Andy Burnham commit to reversing Brexit?
No. He did not rule out including a Brexit reversal in Labour's next manifesto, but he did not commit to it, saying his immediate priority was rebuilding bridges with European allies and securing closer trading ties first.
When is Burnham meeting Ursula von der Leyen?
According to the Guardian, the prime minister will hold his first meeting with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, on Tuesday.
What is Burnham's stated immediate priority?
Burnham said his immediate focus is on continuing to rebuild bridges with European allies and securing closer trading ties before considering further steps.