Prime Minister Andy Burnham will warn MPs that failing to seek a better deal with the EU is a 'major dereliction of duty,' citing economic growth and immigration control.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to urge Members of Parliament to embrace closer ties with the European Union, arguing that maintaining the current status quo is no longer sufficient. In a statement to the House of Commons on the first day back after the party conference break, Burnham will warn that failing to pursue a better deal with the EU would be a "major dereliction of duty."
The Prime Minister’s address will focus on the damage caused by Brexit and the potential benefits of increased cooperation. Burnham is expected to argue that closer ties could increase economic growth and help tackle illegal immigration. He will call for a "calm, clear-eyed assessment" of Britain’s relationship with Europe, urging MPs from across the political spectrum to support a pragmatic approach.
A source from No 10 stated: "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."
The source added: "Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty."
This intervention follows Burnham’s remarks at Labour’s conference in Liverpool last month, where he stated that Brexit had done "more harm than good" and promised to examine the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU. He has suggested that options for this relationship could include rejoining the bloc, a significant shift from his predecessor Keir Starmer, who ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union.
The push for closer EU ties has highlighted divisions within the UK political landscape. Senior Conservatives have vowed to reverse Labour’s moves toward closer EU ties, including a proposed agreement to ease post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade. Businesses have warned that abandoning such arrangements could prolong costs and uncertainty related to border checks.
Unease also exists within Burnham’s own party. Some MPs representing constituencies that voted to leave the EU fear that renewing the Brexit debate could reopen old divisions, with senior ministers warning of the political and economic risks of pursuing EU membership.
The statement coincides with a debate in Westminster Hall on a petition calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU, which has gathered more than 111,000 signatures.
Burnham’s Commons statement follows his recent declaration that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Speaking to The Rest Is Politics podcast, Burnham said it was "clear" that Russia had interfered and that the UK and its allies had been "too much on the back foot" in confronting such actions.
However, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty declined to provide specific details on the form of Russian interference or its success. Speaking to Times Radio, Doughty said: "I’m not going to get into the specifics of Russia's actions against the UK, but what is clear is that Russia is attempting to interfere in democratic processes, not just in the UK but across Europe."
Doughty noted that Russia was spending £1.5 billion on disinformation this year and called for a "whole of society effort" to respond. He later told LBC that he did not think Russia's attempts to interfere in the referendum had been successful, stating, "The result is the result."
Burnham’s statement marks a significant tonal shift in the UK government’s approach to its post-Brexit relationship with the EU. By framing closer ties as essential for economic growth and immigration control, the Prime Minister is challenging the political consensus that has dominated since the 2016 referendum. The move risks alienating Leave-voting constituencies while potentially opening new avenues for trade and security cooperation with Europe.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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