Prime Minister Burnham Reopens Brexit Debate, EU Seeks Clarity on Future Relations
The Story
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reopened the Brexit debate, stating he will set out options for a new relationship with the European Union, including the possibility of Britain rejoining the bloc.
Burnham argued that Brexit has done more harm than good. His government is expected to detail these options ahead of a UK-EU summit in Brussels this November. Burnham said the most ambitious option would be to go all the way and rejoin the EU, but suggested the time is not yet right to re-run the Brexit referendum.
UK officials indicate Burnham could use the next general election in 2029 to gauge support for rejoining. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the prospect, stating, "If the British want to come back and if the Prime Minister is moving in that direction, I think it's very good news." Macron described Brexit as the biggest lie of the last 30 years.
However, Brussels remains cautious, with an EU official stating, "We want to see action," and Sandro Gozi, an MEP, urging Burnham to clarify what he means. The EU has given ground in Brexit reset negotiations, agreeing to allow UK companies time to adapt to any new food and drink deal, avoiding a cliff edge in costs.
This easing of rules is being discussed as negotiators aim to sign off on agreements on food and drink trade, youth mobility, and carbon markets by November. The UK has also obtained a temporary exemption from EU law to continue with gene editing of crops.
The Spread
5 placed
5 sources placed · 1 from headlines only · 13 not measured
The coverage 18 sources
- Center-LeftLe Monde (English)Burnham opens door to 'Breturn,' UK's return to EU (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterFrance 24Burnham reopens Brexit debate: EU says UK must chart Its own path on future relations (opens the publisher’s site)
- Centeri NewsBrexit deal inches closer as EU gives ground to UK on food and drink (opens the publisher’s site)
- CenterThe Conversation UKBurnham has said the unsayable on Brexit. What happens now? (opens the publisher’s site)
- Far RightBreitbart NewsMacron Begs Britain to 'Come Back', Describes Brexit as 'Biggest Lie' over Past 30 Years (opens the publisher’s site)
Not placed on the lean scale
Not measuredEuronewsAndy Burnham is rethinking the UK’s ties with the EU. What are his options? (opens the publisher’s site)- Not measuredThe Japan TimesU.K.’s path back to the EU will hit hard post-Brexit realities (opens the publisher’s site)
- Not measuredThe Local Austria'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words (opens the publisher’s site)
- Not measuredThe Local Denmark'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words (opens the publisher’s site)
- Not measuredThe Local France'We won't change approach': EU wants actions from UK, rather than words (opens the publisher’s site)