Andy Burnham Refuses to Rule Out EU Rejoin Pledge in Labour Manifesto
Andy Burnham has declined to rule out placing a commitment to rejoin the European Union into the Labour Party’s next manifesto. The stance leaves open the possibility of a future reversal of Brexit, according to reports by multiple news outlets including The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times, and Politico.
Burnham Refuses To Rule Out EU Return in Manifesto
Government Weighs Shifting Economic and Security Threats
Minister for European relations Hamish Falconer addressed the question during a broadcast appearance. He stated that while the government is not discussing rejoining the bloc immediately, future manifesto commitments remain entirely a matter for the Labour Party, as reported by The Independent.
Falconer noted that the world and its associated security and economic threats have changed dramatically since the 2016 referendum. He told Sky News that the UK’s relationship with Europe must evolve.
Political Debate Reignited Among Pro-EU Figures
The positioning leaves the door open for Burnham, who has previously expressed personal support for the UK rejoining the EU. Burnham has previously argued that the country would risk falling into a permanent rut if it became bogged down in endless arguments over the issue.
Kinnock and Galsworthy Push for Clear Accession Path
Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock told The Independent that rejoining the bloc is a patriotic duty for the benefit of younger generations. European Movement chair Mike Galsworthy also endorsed Falconer’s stance, telling the publication that a Labour government entering a new parliament must offer clear accession options for full EU membership.
Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa acknowledged that broader diplomatic talks have faced schedule adjustments following recent political transitions in London. At the same time, he confirmed that Brussels remains committed to maintaining a constructive path forward for UK-EU relations.