Burnham is to tell MPs it would be a 'dereliction of duty' to reject a closer EU deal

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026 · last updated 12 October 2026.

Andy Burnham will use his first Commons statement after the conference recess to demand MPs back a new deal with the EU, warning that clinging to the Brexit status quo is "not good enough for Britain." The PM is expected to argue that closer EU ties could tighten immigration controls and revive economic growth. He has not ruled out a future in-out referendum and remains evasive on whether rejoining could happen without one.

A No 10 source confirmed the PM believes "sticking with the status quo... would be a major dereliction of duty."

Burnham told a podcast this weekend it is "clear" Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, saying the UK has been "too much on the back foot" confronting Moscow.

A UK-EU summit, postponed after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, is now set for next month, giving Burnham his first major test on Europe.