Prime Minister Andy Burnham will use his first Commons statement after the party conference break to urge MPs to face up to the damage caused by Brexit and embrace closer ties with the European Union, warning that failing to pursue a better deal would be a “major dereliction of duty”.
Burnham is expected to argue that Britain cannot afford to turn its back on opportunities for greater cooperation with Europe, and that a pragmatic approach could strengthen immigration controls while reviving the economy. His statement comes ahead of the upcoming UK-EU summit and on the same day MPs are due to debate a Westminster Hall petition calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU, which has gathered more than 111,000 signatures.
A No 10 source said: “Andy understands why some politicians don’t want to face up to the reality that Brexit has not delivered what they once promised. But it is time for a different conversation about what our long-term relationship should be. Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.”
The intervention comes amid renewed divisions over Britain’s relationship with Europe. Senior Conservatives have vowed to reverse Labour’s moves toward closer EU ties, including a proposed agreement designed to ease post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade. Businesses have warned that abandoning such arrangements could prolong the costs and uncertainty caused by checks and paperwork at the border.
Within Burnham’s own party, some MPs representing leave-voting constituencies fear the renewed debate could reopen old divisions, and senior ministers have warned of the political and economic risks of pursuing EU membership.
The statement follows Burnham’s declaration on Sunday that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. He said he sought clarification on foreign interference after entering Downing Street and received confirmation of Russian involvement, although he did not reveal the evidence or suggest it had changed the referendum result.
Burnham has already signalled a significant change in tone from his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union. At Labour’s conference in Liverpool last month, Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good.