Prime Minister Burnham told the BBC on Tuesday that the United Kingdom’s post‑Brexit settlement has caused "more harm than good" and that rejoining the European Union should be placed on the agenda.
"The current Brexit settlement has caused more harm than good," Burnham said.
The comment marks the first time a sitting prime minister has publicly floated a return to the bloc since the 2016 referendum that triggered the country's departure.
Burnham's EU Re‑entry Option
Burnham framed the suggestion as a pragmatic response to a series of economic and regulatory challenges that have emerged since the UK left the EU in January 2020. He pointed to trade frictions, shortages in certain foodstuffs and lingering uncertainty around the Northern Ireland protocol as evidence that the existing arrangement is not delivering the promised benefits.
The prime minister stopped short of committing to a formal timetable, saying any decision would require a national debate and likely a new referendum. He added that the government would consult with business leaders, devolved administrations and the opposition before any concrete steps are taken.
Political Reactions Across Westminster
Opposition parties greeted the remarks with a mixture of scepticism and opportunity. Labour’s leader warned that Burnham’s proposal could be a political ploy to distract from mounting criticism over cost‑of‑living pressures, while the Liberal Democrats called for an immediate public inquiry into the settlement’s impact.
Senior Conservative backbenchers, some of whom campaigned for a hard Brexit, expressed unease about abandoning a policy that defined the party’s recent identity. A handful of MPs urged the prime minister to focus on delivering the promised "level‑playing field" reforms rather than reopening a debate that could destabilise the party’s unity.
In Scotland, the SNP reiterated its long‑standing demand for a second independence referendum, arguing that any move towards the EU would only deepen Westminster’s legitimacy crisis.
Implications for Britain and the EU
Should the UK formally seek to re‑enter the EU, the process would be complex. Existing treaties require unanimous approval from all member states, and the bloc would need to negotiate terms on budget contributions, fisheries, and the free movement of people – issues that were central to the original 2016 vote.
EU officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposal would be examined in the context of the bloc’s own strategic priorities, noting that the EU is currently focused on post‑pandemic recovery and the war in Ukraine.
Economists warn that a reversal could trigger short‑term market volatility, particularly in the financial services sector, which has benefited from the UK’s regulatory autonomy since Brexit. However, some analysts argue that a smoother trade relationship could alleviate supply‑chain bottlenecks that have persisted for years.
Public opinion on re‑joining remains divided. Recent polls show that a slight majority of voters still back staying outside the EU, while a growing segment—particularly among younger voters—expresses openness to renewed membership if it promises economic stability.
The next step appears to be a formal commission to assess the costs and benefits of any potential return, a move that could take months to materialise. Burnham has indicated that the commission’s findings would be presented before the next general election, slated for 2029, to give the electorate a clear picture of the options.
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