British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has left open the possibility of Britain rejoining the European Union, saying Brexit has caused “more harm than good”.
His government is considering a range of options for the future relationship with Brussels, from maintaining the current arrangements to joining a customs union, returning to the single market or potentially rejoining the EU.
Burnham wants clear direction on EU ties
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Burnham said he did not want the question of Britain’s relationship with the European Union to remain unresolved, arguing that the country needs a clear direction for the next decade.
Asked directly whether he wanted Britain to return to the EU, he said he wanted “to look at the options”.
“We could stay as we are. That is certainly an option,” Burnham said, adding that a customs union or a return to the single market could also be considered.
“Or we could go all the way,” he said.
“There are clearly options that need to be considered and we have to look at what is feasible, as well as what the advantages and disadvantages of each are.”
Brexit debate widens within Labour
The comments mark a clear broadening of the Brexit discussion within Labour.
When Burnham recently returned to Parliament, he said he did not want to “reopen” the debate and was not proposing that Britain rejoin the EU. He is now, however, not ruling out any of the main options in advance.
In his Labour Party conference speech, Burnham said the current relationship with the EU “is not good enough”, attributing part of the loss of control over both the economy and migration to Brexit.
He has also pledged to present different options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU ahead of the next summit between the two sides.
Conservatives criticise Burnham
Burnham’s comments prompted a response from the Conservatives.
Deputy Conservative leader Alex Burghart accused Labour of attempting to revive the political battles surrounding Brexit.
He said Labour “cannot blame their disastrous economic decisions on a vote that took place more than a decade ago”, while also accusing the government of already moving the country closer to the EU “through the back door”.
