Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to review the UK's long-term relationship with the EU, stating that Brexit has caused more harm than good.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday that Brexit has done "more harm than good." He announced plans to use an upcoming UK-EU summit to present various options for the country's long-term relationship with the bloc, aiming to build a political consensus on the way forward.

Reviewing the UK-EU Relationship

Burnham stated that the UK has lost control over its economy and immigration since leaving the EU, noting that a decade of low growth has weakened the country's position. He argued that the UK cannot secure a clear path forward without defining its future ties with its largest market. While he previously expressed a personal desire to rejoin the EU, he emphasized that he respects the 2016 referendum result and is not currently proposing full re-entry.

Political Debate and Next Steps

The Prime Minister's comments have sparked debate within the Labour Party, with MP Stella Creasy urging the government to remove "red lines" from the 2024 manifesto that currently bar rejoining the EU's single market or customs union. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticized the move, accusing the government of attempting to return to the EU via the "back door." A UK-EU summit, originally scheduled for July, was postponed following the resignation of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While a new date has not been finalized, EU ambassador Jukka Salovaara indicated expectations for the meeting to occur in November.

Electoral Reform Announcement

In addition to his comments on Europe, Burnham announced the creation of a new national commission on electoral reform. He pledged that Labour’s next manifesto will include a commitment to change the UK's electoral system to ensure that all votes are counted and voices are heard.