Why the Prime Minister wants to talk about Brexit again
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reigniting the debate over Brexit, arguing that the current status quo with the European Union is insufficient for Britain. He is pushing for a deeper relationship with the EU, marking a shift from previous political avoidance of the topic.
Why it matters
This signals a potential pivot in UK foreign policy and economic strategy regarding its post-Brexit relationship with Europe.
Image source, EPA By Chris Mason Political editor Published 13 October 2026, 02:27 BST The Brexit debate is back.
For years, it felt like the only thing Westminster talked about.
I have had a ringside seat at it all, from the Conservative election victory in 2015, with the party's promise in its manifesto that year to offer "a straight in-out referendum on our membership of the European Union by the end of 2017."
Then there was the then Prime Minister David Cameron's negotiation with the European Union to try to secure what he saw as a better deal and then the referendum itself on Thursday, 23 June 2016.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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U.K. PM Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
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UK's Andy Burnham Claims Russian Interference In 2016 Brexit Vote
UK PM says Russia interfered in Brexit vote, warns Europe faces same threat
UK PM Andy Burnham says it is ‘clear’ Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote - Al Jazeera
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