UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will tell Parliament on Monday that Britain must consider a new, closer relationship with the European Union, arguing that a fresh post-Brexit deal with the bloc could boost economic growth and help control immigration. Burnham, who campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU during the 2016 membership referendum, will use a statement to lawmakers at the end of the parliamentary recess to outline the nation's strategy regarding the bloc.
In a departure from predecessor Keir Starmer, who deliberately avoided reigniting the lengthy and divisive debate surrounding the EU, Burnham is presenting the argument that Britain has not benefited from Brexit. He will call for a calm and clear-eyed reassessment of the country's ties with Brussels.
A source within Burnham's Downing Street office noted that the Prime Minister recognizes why certain politicians wish to avoid confronting the reality that Brexit has fallen short of earlier promises. However, the source emphasized that it is time to change the conversation regarding the nation's long-term relationship, adding that maintaining the status quo without pursuing a favorable growth-boosting deal would be a major dereliction of duty.
Burnham will urge all political parties to support his proposed approach, stating that ignoring the potential of a new agreement would be irresponsible. During his Labour Party annual conference speech last month, Burnham suggested that Britain should evaluate various options concerning its future with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining, though that particular idea received a cautious response from some European leaders.
Public sentiment regarding the EU has shifted in recent years, with opinion polls indicating that a majority of Britons currently favor rejoining the bloc. Nevertheless, support tends to decline when respondents are questioned about the practical implications of contributing to EU budgets and adopting the euro currency.