British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the UK's re-entry into the European Union is a serious long-term option, with the country potentially "going all the way" to reverse the Brexit process.

 

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the UK's re-entry into the European Union is a serious long-term option, with the country potentially "going all the way" to reverse the Brexit process.

During the annual conference of the Labour Party in Liverpool, Burnham stated bluntly that Brexit has done "more harm than good" for the British economy and prosperity. In a series of interviews after his speech, he indicated that the government must weigh all options to restore the relationship with Europe.

Four possible scenarios

According to Burnham, there are four clear scenarios on the table for the British in the future:

1.    Maintain the current situation: Remain outside the EU, the single market and the customs union.

2.    A customs union: The model previously proposed by former Conservative minister George Osborne.

3.    Access to the Single Market: The model advocated by the Liberal Democrats at their party congress.

4.    "Going all the way to the end": Full re-entry as a Member State of the European Union.

Timeline and political context

Although Burnham previously indicated that he hoped to see the United Kingdom rejoin the EU "within its lifetime", this is the first time since the Brexit referendum of ten years ago that an incumbent British prime minister has opened the door to full EU membership so explicitly.

• Short term: Burnham emphasized that during this term of office he will stick to the current Labour manifesto, which still excludes the return to the single market or customs union.
• Next elections (2029): The prime minister plans to present the various options to the country later this year – around a planned UK-EU summit. The final plan for the future relationship with Brussels must then become the central issue for the next British general election in 2029.

Reactions from the political landscape

The statements have directly led to fierce political debates:

• Conservatives & Reform UK: The opposition accuses Burnham of "ripping open old wounds" and warns that a return to the EU would be a "betrayal" and an economic disaster.
• Proponents of the EU: Campaign groups advocating re-entry see the statements as a major breakthrough, although analysts point out that while public opinion sees Brexit as a mistake, it will take years of campaigning to prepare the British electorate (and the EU) for new membership.