Burnham says Brexit has done 'more harm than good' in first Labour conference address as PM

New UK leader flags EU summit options, pledges to keep the union together and pushes for global AI code

By LineZotpaper

Published30 September 2026

Read Time2 min

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has used his first Labour Party conference speech as leader to declare that Brexit has done "more harm than good" and promise to table options for a closer relationship with the European Union at a summit later this year.

Speaking in Liverpool on Tuesday, local time, Burnham delivered an hour-long address that marked a clear departure from his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, focusing heavily on domestic issues and left-wing policies.

"I cannot say to you truthfully that where we are is good enough. Brexit has done more harm than good," Burnham said, noting that the EU remains the UK's largest trading partner. He stopped short of calling for Britain to rejoin the bloc, but did not rule it out.

The Prime Minister also became emotional when discussing the future of the United Kingdom, speaking about the influence of his father, who died earlier this month. His comments came just over two weeks after the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a memorandum demanding a path to independence and, for Northern Ireland, reunification with the Republic of Ireland.

"I'm going to use this job to build the kind of Britain my dad wanted to see and fight with everything I've got to keep it together," he said.

Foreign policy received less than a minute of attention. Burnham voiced support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, said he would be "steadfast" in backing Ukraine and would "stand up to threats wherever they come from, whether Russia, Iran or anywhere." He did not mention AUKUS.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said people should not read into the brevity, telling the ABC: "The values that Andy talked about today in his speech are the values that we will apply in our foreign policy."

On artificial intelligence, Burnham said the UK would use its G20 presidency in 2027 to "develop a new global code" to regulate AI, aiming to "capture its benefits" while addressing risks.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Burnham's explicit criticism of Brexit signals a potential shift in UK-EU relations, with concrete options expected at the upcoming summit.
His emotional defence of the union comes at a time of growing independence and reunification movements across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The proposed global AI code positions the UK as a key player in international AI governance during its 2027 G20 presidency.

Background

Burnham became prime minister in July, replacing Sir Keir Starmer. His speech marked a notable contrast with his predecessor's approach, centring on domestic reform and left-wing priorities rather than foreign policy. The UK voted to leave the EU just over a decade ago, and the terms of that relationship have remained a point of political contention. The recent memorandum from the UK's devolved first ministers has intensified debate about the country's constitutional future.

Key Perspectives

Andy Burnham: Argues Brexit has damaged the UK and promises to use the upcoming UK-EU summit to present options for a closer relationship, while stopping short of explicitly backing rejoining. UK devolved leaders: The first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have demanded pathways to independence or reunification, placing the union's future at the centre of political debate. Critics and observers: Some may question how quickly meaningful change can be delivered, given the brevity of the foreign policy sections of the speech and the lack of detail on what the EU options would involve.

What to Watch

The agenda and outcomes of the UK-EU summit later this year, where Burnham says he will table options.
How Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland respond if their independence and reunification demands are not addressed.
Details of the proposed global AI code as the UK prepares for its G20 presidency in 2027.

Sources

UK's new PM says 'Brexit has done more harm than good', flags changes — Just In