Well, well, well… it looks like Brexit might not be quite as “done” as everyone thought.
Andy Burnham has sent Westminster into another round of political gossip after refusing to rule out Labour putting a promise to reverse Brexit in its next election manifesto.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The Labour leader was asked whether voters could eventually be faced with a choice over Britain rejoining the European Union – and rather than slamming the door shut, Burnham basically left it slightly ajar.
And naturally, Westminster has been paying attention.
👀 So… could Brexit actually be reversed?
Burnham has previously said Labour’s immediate priority is rebuilding the UK’s relationship with the EU rather than jumping straight into a campaign to rejoin.
But now he’s gone a step further.
Speaking about Britain’s future relationship with Europe, Burnham said there are different options that need to be considered, including how much closer the UK could become to the EU.
He has also said Brexit has caused more harm than good, while stressing that the details of what could actually be done still need to be worked out.
Translation?
The Brexit conversation is officially back on the table.
☕ Westminster has entered the group chat
The interesting part is that Burnham’s comments mark a noticeable change from Labour’s position during the 2024 election.
That manifesto specifically ruled out rejoining the EU single market or customs union and rejected restoring freedom of movement.
Now, however, Burnham is talking about looking at the possibilities.
And there are several possibilities being discussed – from closer trading arrangements with Europe to much more ambitious options, potentially including eventually rejoining the EU.
Of course, none of this means Britain is definitely rejoining the EU.
There is no announcement of a referendum, no confirmed manifesto pledge and no timetable for reversing Brexit.
But the fact that Burnham isn’t ruling the idea out has been enough to get Westminster talking.
💬 And the political gossip doesn’t stop there…
The issue could become particularly awkward for Labour because Brexit remains a deeply divisive subject.
Some Labour MPs who opposed Brexit have been pushing for closer European ties, while the party also represents voters in areas that supported leaving the EU.
Burnham himself represents a constituency that voted Leave – making the issue even more politically interesting.
For now, his message appears to be: let’s look at the options before deciding what comes next.
But with the next general election eventually looming, one question is already floating around Westminster:
Could “rejoin Europe” eventually become part of Labour’s election pitch?
Burnham hasn’t said yes.
But he hasn’t said no either.
And honestly… that’s probably why everyone’s talking about it. 👀
This article is a gossip-style rewrite of reporting on Andy Burnham’s comments. It does not mean Labour has announced a policy to rejoin the EU.
