Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Andy Burnham
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that a future Labour manifesto could potentially include a new referendum on the UK's relationship with the EU. While he emphasized that a referendum is not currently the right path, he stated that the government must explore all options for the country's future.
Why it matters
This signals a potential shift in UK political discourse regarding Brexit, potentially reopening major national debates on EU membership.
By Paul Seddon and Richard Wheeler Published 30 September 2026, 06:00 BST Updated 54 minutes ago Andy Burnham has said it is "possible" a future Labour election manifesto could promise a new in-out referendum on the European Union.
The prime minister told the BBC a referendum "wouldn't be the right thing to do right now" but the UK needed to "consider the options" for its relationship with the EU as "where we are isn't good enough".
It comes after he pledged in his Labour conference speech on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc at a summit later this year.
The move could set up a huge dividing line at the next general election, with the Conservatives accusing Burnham of trying to "reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years".
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