Andy Burnham says "advocate for specific options" and urges no single post‑Brexit deal

Andy Burnham is seeking a wide review of Britain’s relationship with the EU before a UK-EU summit in Brussels this month, where he seeks deals on food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility, then a longer-term review. In a letter to his Cabinet, Burnham told ministers to avoid backing any single arrangement or guessing the result, saying any fundamental change to post-Brexit rules should be left to the public and a later Parliament. Rachel Reeves, former chancellor, endorsed his call for a rethink and said Brexit had weakened Britain, while the prime minister has supported an open discussion but is committed to Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledges against returning to the customs union, single market or free movement. Downing Street said Burnham is not putting forward a preferred option. The discussion is unfolding before the Brussels summit and within Labour.