Labour veteran Andy Burnham announced on Tuesday that his office will commission a comprehensive review of the United Kingdom’s post‑Brexit relationship with the European Union, opening the door to a possible referendum on re‑joining the bloc.
Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester and a senior figure in the Labour Party, said the departure from the EU “has done more harm than good”. He added that the assessment will be ready in time for the EU‑UK summit slated for late November.
“Brexit has done more harm than good, and the British people deserve a clear picture of the options ahead of the next summit,” Burnham said.
The review is expected to map out a spectrum of possibilities, ranging from maintaining the current Trade and Cooperation Agreement to deeper alignment with the single market, or even a full return to EU membership via a public vote.
Government’s Stance and Timing
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking at a Downing Street briefing, echoed Burnburn’s assessment, saying the government will commission its own analysis before the summit. Sunak described the existing arrangement as “sub‑optimal” and urged a “rigorous, evidence‑based” appraisal.
Both leaders agreed that the forthcoming review should be completed before the EU‑UK summit, which is due to take place in Brussels or a neutral venue at the end of November, though the exact location remains to be finalised.
Political Context and Party Dynamics
The pledge arrives as the Conservative government grapples with mounting criticism over supply‑chain disruptions linked to the Northern Ireland protocol and lingering trade frictions. Within Labour, the proposal is seen as an attempt to capitalise on public fatigue with Brexit‑related economic pressures.
Polls this month show a modest shift in public sentiment, with a Reuters survey indicating that 38% of respondents now favour re‑joining the EU, up from 30% in early 2025. Analysts suggest that Burnham’s move could sharpen the party’s position ahead of the scheduled general election in 2027.
What the Review Could Cover
Experts say the study will likely examine fiscal implications of a customs union, regulatory alignment costs, and the political feasibility of a second referendum. The Institute for European Studies noted that any move towards the single market would require extensive legislative changes in areas such as fisheries, competition law, and data protection.
Trade unions have already signalled support for a more integrated approach, arguing that a closer relationship would protect jobs in manufacturing and services. Conversely, hard‑Brexit advocates warn that any loosening of the current deal could undermine UK sovereignty.
Implications for the UK‑EU Future
Should Burnham’s review conclude that deeper ties are advantageous, the next step would be a political decision – potentially a referendum – to endorse a new framework. Such a vote would require parliamentary approval and could reshape the UK’s trade landscape, affecting everything from automotive supply chains to financial services.
For now, both London and Brussels have pledged to cooperate on the assessment. A European Commission spokesperson said the EU is “open to constructive dialogue” and will await the UK’s detailed proposals before the summit.
The upcoming months will test whether the review becomes a catalyst for policy change or remains a political footnote. With the November summit looming, the next few weeks are set to shape the trajectory of Britain’s European engagement for years to come.
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