Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, has raised the possibility of a new referendum regarding the UK's relationship with the European Union. He suggested that the UK could potentially rejoin the EU or consider options such as rejoining the single market or customs union, as well as the 'associate membership' offered to Canada. Despite acknowledging that a new vote could be 'divisive', he did not rule it out. Burnham stated, 'I can't avoid the Europe question if I'm to put out a credible ten-year plan for Britain, that's why I've started this process.'
His comments were met with positive reactions from European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who said, 'welcome back', and Spain's Pedro Sanchez, who expressed that Britain would be welcomed with 'open arms'. However, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the idea, stating that rejoining the EU would not address current challenges such as energy bills or business concerns.
Mark Francois, chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, expressed skepticism about Burnham's intentions, suggesting that Brussels would take advantage of any attempts to rejoin. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is expected to warn against the potential for the UK to adopt the euro and return to freedom of movement.
Burnham faced backlash from his own party members and constituents in areas that predominantly voted Leave, with Labour MP Graham Stringer labeling a return to the EU as a 'betrayal'. He cautioned that the debate could become more contentious than the one in 2016, arguing that those advocating for a referendum would be perceived as undermining the democratic decision made in the past. Stringer also noted that while polls indicate some support for returning to the EU, that support diminishes when voters consider the potential terms, which could involve adopting the euro and losing the UK's rebate.
A European Commission spokesman stated that it is up to the UK Government to determine how it wishes to develop its relationship with the EU and that they remain open to discussions on the options presented.