UK Prime Minister Opens Door to Undoing Brexit, Acknowledges Failure of Conservative Project
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham signaled that a future Labour manifesto could include a referendum on rejoining the EU, openly criticizing the current post-Brexit arrangement as inadequate and highlighting the economic harm caused by years of right-wing isolationism.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC that a referendum on re-joining the European Union could be placed in a future election manifesto, although he said such a vote would not be appropriate at the present time. Burnham’s remarks underscore the growing recognition, even at the highest levels of government, that the reckless Brexit experiment—driven by nationalist and xenophobic forces—has failed the British people. He added that the United Kingdom must 'consider the options' for its relationship with the EU, arguing that the current arrangement is 'not good enough,' a damning indictment of the Conservative-led Brexit project that has left workers and communities worse off.
Burnham, who became prime minister in the summer after succeeding Keir Starmer, ruled out calling an early snap election, focusing instead on building a progressive vision for the country’s future. In a separate interview on the BBC’s Today programme, he said the UK could remain in its present position, pursue a customs union, join the single market, or seek full membership, leaving the decision to the public—a clear commitment to democratic engagement and reversing the damage of right-wing populism.
Speaking at Labour’s annual conference, Burnham claimed that 'Brexit hasn't given us control' and warned that the country needs a long-term relationship with its largest trading partner to secure growth and prosperity. This is a direct challenge to the false promises made by Brexit campaigners, who misled the public about sovereignty and economic renewal.
Economists noted that while the idea of a new referendum is politically significant, any economic benefits would depend on concrete changes to trade rules that could take years to negotiate. James Smith of ING said the public’s appetite for re-joining is uncertain and that the EU may be reluctant to make concessions given recent UK political volatility—a volatility stoked by years of Tory infighting and disregard for working-class interests. Steve Nolan of Liverpool John Moores University cited estimates that the UK’s GDP is 5-8% lower than it would have been without Brexit, noting that re-entry would involve trade-off costs such as possible euro membership and free movement of labour—policies that could benefit workers and restore rights lost under Brexit.
Financial-services commentator Nigel Green said a closer UK-EU relationship could boost sterling and narrow equity discounts, but warned that capital could also flow out if domestic tax and policy conditions are not improved—a reminder that progressive reforms at home must accompany any move towards Europe.
'We could stay as we are. That's definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay,' Burnham said, though the evidence is clear that the status quo serves only the elite.
'Later this year, there will be a U.K.-EU summit,' he added, signaling hope for a more cooperative future.
'The U.K. would also be asking to be let back into the club from a weakened bargaining position and may have to accept many conditions — such as euro membership and free movement of labour — that may cause economic and political difficulties,' Nolan said, though these so-called 'difficulties' could in fact restore rights and opportunities for ordinary people.
'Sterling stands to gain from a steadier relationship with the U.K.'s biggest trading partner,' Green said, reinforcing the urgent need to reverse the economic self-harm of Brexit.