Burnham is to tell MPs it would be a 'dereliction of duty' to reject closer EU ties as Brexit row returns to Commons

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Andy Burnham is set to use his first Commons statement after the conference recess to demand MPs back a closer relationship with the EU, arguing the status quo is "not good enough for Britain." The PM will claim a new deal could tighten immigration controls and boost growth, and that the public would expect ministers to seize any such opportunity. He has previously said rejoining the bloc is among the options he will set out around the time of a UK-EU summit rescheduled for next month. The statement comes amid 111,000-signature petition calling on Britain to apply for EU membership, due to be debated in Westminster Hall on the same day.

Burnham told 'The Rest Is Politics' podcast at the weekend it was "clear" Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Britain faces a separate crunch over the EU's proposed 'Made in Europe' policy, which could shut British car makers out of public contracts and subsidy schemes.

Kemi Badenoch has vowed to reverse Labour's steps towards closer EU ties, while some Labour MPs in Leave-voting seats fear reigniting Brexit divisions.