STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that rejoining the European Union should be considered as one of several options for the UK’s long term relationship with the bloc. His comments followed his Labour Party conference speech, during which he said Brexit had caused more harm than good.
Burnham told the BBC that the Government could retain the current arrangements, pursue a customs union, seek membership of the European single market or consider full EU membership. He said ministers would examine what was achievable and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each option before reaching any conclusions.
The Prime Minister said he intended to present the choices facing the country around the time of the UK and EU summit in November. No timetable or formal process for rejoining has been announced. Considering membership would represent a significant departure from Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which ruled out returning to the European Union, the single market or a customs union.