Burnham Says Tory Brexit Was Harder Than Promised in EU Referendum 2026

Andy Burnham has said that the Brexit delivered by the Conservative government was harder than promised during the 2016 EU referendum, and he has warned ministers against expressing their opinions on how the UK should approach its future relationship with Brussels.

The prime minister made the comments at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, according to a Downing Street summary, and repeated them in a letter to frontbenchers. He argued that the current deal with the EU is a bad one and set out his hopes to address it.

Burnham Criticizes Tory Brexit Deal as Too Hard

At the cabinet meeting, Burnham opened by discussing the UK's relationship with the EU, saying that the deal left by the last government had been bad for the UK and had led to a harder Brexit than had been promised at the referendum.

The summary put his comments about Brexit above even those concerning the budget, which the chancellor, John Healey, was to deliver soon afterwards. This suggests the prime minister is keen to prioritize the issue.

In a letter to ministers, Burnham made similar points, ending with a warning that they should not express opinions about the future shape of relations with the EU before a review of longer-term options.

Brexit Dominates PMQs Exchange with Kemi Badenoch

Brexit was also the main subject of Burnham's exchanges with Kemi Badenoch at prime minister's questions on Wednesday. The prime minister said the UK had been paralyzed by the lack of a Conservative plan after the vote.

Badenoch, for her part, has been pursuing a strategy that some in her party fear risks the Tories' survival. Her approach to Farage and the Reform Party has been a source of internal tension.

The exchange highlighted the ongoing political divide over Brexit and its aftermath, with Burnham seeking to frame the current deal as a failure of the Conservatives.

What This Means for UK-EU Relations

Burnham's comments signal a potential shift in the UK's approach to the EU. By calling the current deal bad and promising to address it, he is setting the stage for a review of longer-term options.

However, his warning to ministers not to express opinions before the review suggests he wants to control the narrative and avoid public splits within his government.

The prime minister's focus on Brexit also indicates that he sees it as a key battleground for the next election, contrasting his approach with that of the Conservatives.

• Burnham says the Tory Brexit deal was harder than promised in 2016.
• He warned ministers not to express opinions on EU relations before a review.
• Brexit was the main topic at PMQs with Kemi Badenoch.
• Burnham aims to address the 'bad deal' left by the previous government.
• The move signals a potential shift in UK-EU relations.

Comparing the Promised and Delivered Brexit

The table below compares key aspects of the Brexit promised in 2016 with the deal delivered by the Conservatives, as characterized by Burnham.

Political Reactions and Implications

The prime minister's comments have drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Some see them as a honest assessment of the situation, while others accuse him of using Brexit to score political points.

Within his own party, Burnham's warning to ministers may be seen as an attempt to maintain discipline on a divisive issue. The letter to frontbenchers makes clear that he expects collective responsibility.

The focus on Brexit also comes as the government prepares for a budget, with the chancellor set to deliver his statement soon after. The timing suggests Burnham wants to frame the budget within the context of addressing the Brexit deal.

What to Watch Next

Burnham has promised a review of longer-term options for the UK's relationship with the EU. The outcome of that review will be crucial in determining the government's approach.

Ministers have been warned not to express opinions before the review, but it remains to be seen whether they will abide by that. Any leaks or public disagreements could undermine the prime minister's position.

The reaction from the EU will also be important. Brussels has its own priorities and may not be willing to reopen the deal. Burnham's ability to negotiate improvements will be tested.

For a deeper look at Burnham's broader policy agenda, see Burnham's PM promises: key policies, costs, and timelines. The article outlines the financial implications of his plans.

The political fallout will also depend on how the Conservatives respond. Kemi Badenoch's strategy has been criticized by some in her party, as discussed in Badenoch's Farage strategy risks Tory party survival. Her approach could shape the debate on Brexit.

Burnham's comments also come as he promises to publicly disagree with Trump when needed, as reported in Andy Burnham promises to publicly disagree with Trump when needed. This indicates a broader foreign policy stance.

The prime minister's first Commons appearance was marked by optimism and a promise of substantial change, as covered in Burnham promises optimism and substantial change in first Commons. His latest remarks build on that theme.

He has also blamed the Tory legacy for the UK's economic vulnerability, as detailed in UK economy vulnerable: Burnham blames Tory legacy. The Brexit deal is part of that legacy.

Finally, Burnham's devolution plan is seen as a test of new Westminster politics, as explored in Burnham's devolution plan tests new Westminster politics. It remains to be seen how it interacts with his EU strategy.