Labour MPs' opposition to EU re-entry could spark internal conflict ahead of Burnham's summit

GB News has identified a list of Labour MPs who publicly oppose Prime Minister Andy Burnham's proposal to reopen the debate on the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union. The outlet says the opposition could lead to a "Brexit civil war" within the party as the issue gains prominence ahead of Burnham's reset summit scheduled for 20 November.

According to the report, ten constituencies – Barnsley South, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Cannock Chase, Dover & Deal, Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Hartlepool, Normanton & Hemsworth, Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, and Rawmarsh & Conisbrough – could be vulnerable to Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Four additional seats – Kettering, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, North Northumberland, and Pendle and Clitheroe – are projected as possible Conservative gains, while the Scottish National Party may pick up Alloa and Grangemouth.

Health Secretary Ms Cooper, who previously said the UK "can't turn back the clock" on EU membership, is among the senior figures cited as being at risk. Chancellor John Healey also faces potential defeat if Labour adopts a more pro-EU stance. When asked about rejoining the EU, Mr Healey said, "> I don’t expect to see that."

The People's Channel has counted nearly 100 Labour MPs who have either supported a return to the EU or urged the Prime Minister to restart the debate. However, the party remains divided on the level of enthusiasm for Burnham's European outreach. Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger told Britain's News Channel, "> I think it's also fair to say that what people voted for in 2016, what they were promised by the Vote Leave campaign, isn't what has been delivered."

Blue Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill said, "> I think there is a lot we can do without joining – we will have to wait and see what comes out from the summit. The Prime Minister wants an honest conversation and to build consensus on what is in the best interests of the country and for businesses."

GB News notes that, despite collective responsibility, 13 cabinet ministers reportedly oppose rejoining the EU while 15 support it. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called for an open conversation about Britain's relationship with Europe but stopped short of endorsing freedom of movement.

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warned against an "Oslo-style" relationship with Brussels, stating, "> If you left because there was too much Brussels, don't take the Norwegian version."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of risking taxpayers, estimating that the proposed arrangements could cost families up to £1,220 each. Brexiteers have warned that rejoining could cost £41 billion annually, and former EU officials have rejected the notion that the UK could retain its rebate.

A Survation poll commissioned by the pro-Brexit group Britain Unbound found strong support in Burnham's Makerfield constituency for retaining UK control over state aid, VAT rates, food standards and immigration decisions.