Burnham says Brexit did 'more harm than good' and opens door to rejoining the EU
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Labour's conference that Brexit had done more harm than good, and said a referendum on rejoining could feature in a future manifesto, though not as an immediate step. For European readers, the stake is the UK's largest trading partner and the shape of any future deal, with French finance minister Roland Lescure telling the BBC Britain could "come back, anytime". Burnham has said options will be set out around a UK-EU summit planned for November.
Bottom line — A November UK-EU summit and a Burnham options paper will determine whether Britain's relationship with its largest market moves toward the single market or stays put.
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The Guardian reports that Labour's 2024 manifesto red lines ruled out a return to the single market, customs union or free movement, which constrained Keir Starmer's approach.
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The Guardian cites government figures estimating the Starmer-era EU reset would add at most 0.3% to GDP by 2040, and says Brussels rebuffed a goods-only selective single market in May.
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Anadolu Ajansı, citing polling, reports 57% of voters including 23% of Leave voters now agree Brexit was the wrong decision, and 55% want to rejoin the EU.
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The Financial Times argues Burnham could trade single-market access for rule-acceptance sector by sector, Swiss-style, and that the Tories would struggle to oppose a half-in deal.
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The Herald cites NBER research putting Brexit's damage at 6% to 8% of UK GDP by 2025, Goldman Sachs estimating a roughly 5% shortfall versus comparable countries, and the Office for Budget Responsibility estimating around 4% of annual output long term.
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Anadolu Ajansı argues the EU's proposed Made in Europe industrial scheme, which prioritises EU firms for public contracts and subsidies, is a key pressure point, and the Guardian notes the EU car industry has asked for the UK to be included.
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Socialist Worker, a UK left outlet, rejects rejoining as a capitalist and racist project and argues for a left-wing, internationalist break with the EU rather than a return.
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London South East reports Burnham told ITV he cannot avoid the Europe question if he is to put out a credible 10-year plan, and that he instinctively believes it is better to be closer to the EU given threats around the world.
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The Envato/ISN analysis notes the EU accounted for around 41% of UK exports and 50% of imports in 2025, and argues Brexit gave sovereignty but added friction for small exporters.
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The Financial Times argues the Conservatives face a dilemma, since defending a hard Brexit status quo may look unpopular, and that Burnham could let the Tories be seen opposing a thaw.