Burnham's push for closer EU ties causes ripples in his party and others
Summary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is calling for closer ties with the EU, arguing that the UK’s current Brexit arrangements have harmed the country. His approach has divided ministers and Labour figures, while raising concerns among some politicians that discussion of rejoining could weaken negotiations with the EU.Key Facts
- Burnham told his Cabinet that the UK had ended up with a harder Brexit than voters chose and said the deal negotiated by the Conservatives was not working for the country.
- Burnham is due to meet European leaders in Dublin and travel to Brussels for a UK-EU summit focused on agreements covering food, energy and youth mobility.
- Burnham has opened debate about the UK potentially rejoining the EU single market or the EU, steps that would involve questions about freedom of movement.
- Some Labour ministers support closer EU ties, while others stress the party’s current manifesto commitments against joining the single market, customs union or restoring freedom of movement.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned about the costs and consequences of both rejoining the EU and remaining outside it.
- Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds supports closer ties but has expressed doubts about joining the customs union or rejoining the EU.
- Former Prime Minister David Cameron warned that talk of rejoining could make the EU less willing to offer the UK a favorable partnership deal.
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