Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has ignited a fresh debate by calling for a major review of the UK's relationship with the EU, arguing that Brexit has "done more harm than good." His proposal could pave the way for a potential referendum on rejoining the bloc, challenging Keir Starmer's current red lines.
What Exactly Did Burnham Say?
In a recent speech, Burnham stated, "Brexit hasn't given us control," claiming the UK lost control over both immigration and the economy. He pledged to "lay out options" around the next EU-UK summit, expected in late November. While he didn't specify what those options are, he did not rule out rejoining the EU. This move signals a willingness to reopen discussions that many thought were settled.
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Why This Matters
Burnham's intervention is significant because it goes beyond the modest reset ambitions of Labour leader Keir Starmer. Starmer has insisted the UK will not rejoin the single market or customs union, but Burnham's stance could pressure Labour to reconsider. Joël Reland, senior research fellow at UK in a Changing Europe, remarked, "I would be stunned if Starmer's red lines are in the next manifesto," suggesting a potential shift in Labour's position.
The Options for UK-EU Relations
Several models exist for the UK's future relationship with the EU. Below is a comparison of the main options:
| Option | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rejoining the EU | Full membership, including single market and customs union | Full access to EU market, freedom of movement, influence over rules | Loss of sovereignty, adoption of euro (potentially), budget contributions |
| Single Market Membership (Norway Model) | Access to single market, but not customs union | Free movement of goods, services, capital, and people | No say in rule-making, budget contributions, freedom of movement |
| Customs Union (Turkey Model) | Customs union with the EU, but not single market | No tariffs on goods, common external tariff | No independent trade deals, limited services access |
| Swiss-Style Deal | Bilateral agreements with the EU | Tailored access to certain sectors | Complex, constantly renegotiated, limited services |
| Canada-Style FTA | Free trade agreement with the EU | Independent trade policy, no freedom of movement | Trade barriers, no services passporting |
Key Takeaways
- Burnham's review could reopen the Brexit debate and challenge Labour's current stance.
- Rejoining the EU is one of several options, each with trade-offs between sovereignty and market access.
- Public opinion on Brexit is shifting, with growing support for closer ties with the EU.
- The next EU-UK summit in November could be a pivotal moment for Burnham to present his options.
FAQ
What did Andy Burnham say about Brexit?
Burnham said Brexit has "done more harm than good" and argued it failed to give the UK control over immigration or the economy. He pledged to review the UK's EU relationship and lay out options.
Could the UK rejoin the EU?
While Burnham did not explicitly call for rejoining, he did not rule it out. His review could lead to a referendum on the issue, but any rejoining would require negotiations and likely face political hurdles.
What are Keir Starmer's red lines on the EU?
Starmer has ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, and has said the UK will not accept freedom of movement. However, Burnham's move could pressure Labour to revisit these red lines.
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