Andy Burnham says reopening EU ties could "restore a higher level of growth and prosperity"

At Labour’s conference on Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain should reopen the question of its EU relationship, arguing that Brexit has hurt the economy and that revisiting the issue could improve the country’s economic performance. In later media interviews, he confirmed that full EU membership was among the possibilities he believed should be examined, alongside the Single Market or Customs Union. He also contested the assertion that departure had strengthened immigration control, saying coordination was stronger while Britain belonged to the bloc. The remarks break with former Labour leader and PM Keir Starmer’s stated opposition to rejoining or adopting those arrangements. Surveys reportedly indicate a large majority want stronger links with the bloc. Burnham plans a national debate around a November UK-EU summit, though any Labour rejoin bid would likely need an election mandate.