British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says that Brexit has done „more harm than good” to the United Kingdom and is preparing a debate on the future relationship with the European Union. By the end of the year, he wants to present several options for closer ties with the bloc.
The statements were made on Tuesday at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, in his first speech at a party congress since becoming prime minister.
Burnham argued that the UK's exit from the EU has not delivered the promised results and that Britain has lost some control over the economy and immigration. "I cannot say that the current situation is satisfactory. Brexit has done more harm than good," the prime minister said.
What he wants to change
Burnham announced that he will use the future UK-EU summit to present several options for the long-term relationship with European partners.
"We will not offer the UK the clear path we need for the rest of the century until we decide on a long-term relationship with what remains our main market," he said.
The prime minister did not announce the UK's return to the European Union or joining the single market or customs union. However, he left the discussion open on how far the UK could move closer to the EU.
"I will present to the country what I believe are the different options for the UK's long-term relationship with our European partners. I will see if we can reach a consensus on one of them," Burnham said.
The discussion about the EU is part of a broader project presented by the new prime minister in Liverpool as a "new way" for the UK. Burnham promised reforms in housing, pensions, and social care, as well as a greater role for the state in the economy. However, he warned that the budgetary situation does not allow for rapid changes and that some of his plans may only be implemented after the next elections, which must be held by mid-2029.
UK-EU Summit, still without a date
A UK-EU summit had been scheduled for July, but was postponed after former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation. A new date has not yet been announced.
Burnham says he respects the outcome of the 2016 referendum, but believes that London must now establish a clearer and more stable relationship with the EU.