British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Monday called for closer ties with the European Union, arguing that Russia’s attempts to meddle in European politics demonstrate the need for a stronger UK-EU relationship. Speaking in the House of Commons, Burnham said Moscow’s “campaign of hybrid attacks” and interference in votes, including Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, underscored the importance of deepening cooperation with the 27-nation bloc.
Burnham declared the current post-Brexit relationship “not good enough” and said it would be “a dereliction of duty” not to pursue stronger ties. He announced a UK-EU summit in Brussels on Nov. 20 to advance agreements on food and drink trade, energy and emissions trading, a new youth mobility scheme, and deeper immigration cooperation. After the summit, he said Britain should begin “a serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long-term,” including the possibility of rejoining the bloc.
The prime minister’s push marks a shift from years of political avoidance of the Brexit debate. While he remains bound by his predecessor’s pledge not to rejoin the EU’s single market or customs union, Burnham said public opinion now supports a pragmatic approach. The EU has welcomed the warmer tone but remains cautious about granting the UK benefits reserved for members.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of “unpicking” the existing Brexit deal, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged a return to full EU membership. Burnham reiterated that any long-term decision would rest with the British public.
