Burnham aims to present various options around the British-European summit in October, including full EU membership. He considers a new referendum premature at this time but does not rule out that his Labour Party might include such a public vote in its program for a future election.
With this, Burnham is going further than he did a few months ago. Upon entering parliament, he promised not to reopen the Brexit debate and said he would not suggest that the United Kingdom consider returning to the EU. Now he believes that all possibilities should be explored.
All Options
One option is maintaining the current situation. Other possibilities include a customs union with the EU or joining the European single market. Burnham also does not want to exclude full membership. According to him, the advantages and disadvantages of all options must first be researched.
Promotion
This also calls into question positions from the 2024 Labour election program, which excluded rejoining the single market and a customs union. Burnham has since made it clear that such boundaries do not necessarily have to apply forever.
Ten Years
The prime minister places the discussion within a plan for the coming ten years. He believes it must become clear which direction the United Kingdom wants to take in its relationship with Europe. After investigating the various options, he intends to try to reach consensus on a new course.
This renewed British choice coincides with a cooling of relations with the United States, increasing British-European support in the defense of Ukraine, and European plans for more economic and military cooperation with non-EU countries.
Welcome Back
There was an immediate positive response from France. President Emmanuel Macron reacted in English with "Welcome back." If the British want to return and Burnham chooses that direction, according to Macron, it would be good news for both the United Kingdom and Europeans. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also responded positively.
In the United Kingdom, political reactions are far more divided. The Conservatives accuse Burnham of reopening old Brexit wounds. Reform UK, led by former MEP Nigel Farage, says Burnham wants to bring the country back to Brussels through the back door. The Liberal Democrats and the Greens, on the other hand, believe Burnham should take concrete steps more quickly toward closer cooperation.