Andy Burnham said the British government could consider a range of options for its future relationship with the European Union, including rejoining the bloc, according to multiple outlets.
In comments to the BBC, Burnham said the current Brexit settlement has caused 'more harm than good'. He said Labour 'could go all the way' as it considers what is possible roughly a decade after the Brexit referendum, according to Politico Europe.
According to Euronews and CNA, Burnham is expected to lay out 'options' for the UK's EU relationship later this year, with CNA reporting this could come around a 2026 summit.
Reuters reported that Burnham said Britain should weigh its EU options, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc.
How each side covered it
Left
- Bloomberg reported Burnham said Britain could rejoin the EU after the next election.
“Burnham Says Britain Could Rejoin the EU After Next Election” — Bloomberg
Center
- The BBC reported Burnham said the current Brexit settlement caused 'more harm than good.'
- Politico Europe reported Burnham said Labour 'could go all the way' on EU relations.
- Reuters reported Burnham said Britain should weigh its EU options, including rejoining.
- Euronews and CNA reported Burnham will lay out 'options' for EU ties later this year, possibly around a 2026 summit.
“Andy Burnham says rejoining the EU is among options the government could look at - telling the BBC the current Brexit settlement has caused "more harm than good".” — BBC News
Questions readers ask
What did Andy Burnham say about the EU?
Andy Burnham said the British government could consider rejoining the European Union as one of several options for its future relationship with the bloc, telling the BBC the current Brexit settlement has caused 'more harm than good'.
When will the UK set out its EU options?
According to Euronews and CNA, Burnham is expected to lay out the UK's options for EU relations later this year, with CNA reporting this could occur around a 2026 summit.
Why does this matter?
The comments come roughly a decade after the Brexit referendum and suggest the British government may be reconsidering its departure from the EU, according to Politico Europe.
Is rejoining the EU confirmed?
No. Sources report Burnham said rejoining is among the options being weighed, not a confirmed decision, according to Reuters and the BBC.
Sources · 15 outlet reports
- BloombergLeft-leaningBurnham Says Britain Could Rejoin the EU After Next Election
- The GuardianLeft-leaningAndy Burnham: UK could ‘go all the way’ by rejoining EU
- The IndependentLeft-leaningBurnham says he could go ‘all the way’ and rejoin European Union in Brexit warning
- BBC NewsCenterMove to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Burnham
- BBC SportCenterMove to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Burnham
- CNACenterUK PM to set out 'options' for EU ties around 2026 summit
- EuronewsCenterUK PM Burnham to lay out 'options' for EU relations later this year
- Financial TimesCenterAndy Burnham says rejoining EU an option for the UK
- Politico EuropeCenterAndy Burnham keeps his options open on Brexit
- ReutersCenterBurnham says Britain should weigh EU options, including rejoining bloc
- RTÉ NewsCenterBurnham not ruling out going 'all the way' to rejoin EU
- The Irish TimesCenterThe Brexit debate is back. Could Britain rejoin the EU?
- The Japan TimesCenterBurnham says Britain could rejoin the EU after next election
- The Times of IndiaCenter'More harm than good': Burnham reopens Brexit question, puts EU rejoin back on the table
- The TelegraphRight-leaningRejoining EU is on the table, says Burnham