Burnham Says UK Could Move 'All the Way' Toward Rejoining EU as PM Opens Debate on Britain's Future

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that Britain could potentially move "all the way" toward rejoining the European Union, describing full membership as one of several options his government may examine as it seeks to define the country's long-term relationship with Brussels.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Burnham said rejoining the bloc was among the possibilities that ministers could consider when mapping out the UK's future direction. The comments came shortly after he delivered his first speech as prime minister to the Labour Party conference on Tuesday, a milestone appearance that set the tone for his early leadership.

The prime minister stressed that he wanted to build broad agreement across the country rather than impose a single path from above. He said he would attempt to "find consensus" on one option that could clarify where the UK stands in relation to the EU over the longer term, suggesting that the government is preparing to reopen a question that has divided British politics for nearly a decade.

"There are clearly options that need to be considered, and we have to look at what is doable and what would be the pros and cons of each," Burnham said, according to the BBC. His phrasing pointed to a deliberately cautious approach, with the government weighing feasibility and trade-offs before committing to any single course of action.

When pressed on what those options might involve, Burnham acknowledged that maintaining the status quo remains a legitimate choice. He said the UK "could stay as we are," adding that this was "definitely an option" if people believe the current arrangement is the right place for the country to remain.

The remarks represent a notable moment in the ongoing national conversation about Brexit, the 2016 referendum decision to leave the EU that was formally implemented in 2020. Since then, the UK has operated outside the bloc's single market and customs union under a trade agreement that critics say has added friction to business with Britain's largest trading partner.

Burnham's willingness to name full EU membership as a potential destination — rather than ruling it out — sets him apart from successive leaders who have treated the subject as politically toxic. His language about going "all the way" suggests he is at least open to discussing the most ambitious form of reintegration, not merely incremental adjustments to the existing deal.

That said, the prime minister's emphasis on consensus signals an awareness of how deeply the referendum result still shapes British politics. Any move toward closer alignment with Europe would likely face fierce resistance from pro-Brexit voters and politicians who view leaving the union as a settled democratic decision that should not be revisited.

The interview also follows a pattern in which Burnham has sought to present himself as a leader focused on practical outcomes rather than ideological battles. By framing the debate around what is "doable" and the "pros and cons" of each option, he appears to be laying the groundwork for a measured review rather than a rushed policy shift.

Political analysts note that reopening the EU question carries significant risks. Negotiating any form of rejoining — whether full membership or a softer arrangement such as the single market or a customs union — would involve complex talks with Brussels and could take years to complete. It would also raise difficult questions about the euro, the Schengen travel area, and the UK's rebate, all of which were contentious during previous negotiations.

Supporters of closer European ties argue that Britain's economy has suffered from reduced trade, disrupted supply chains, and diminished influence since leaving. They point to businesses struggling with customs paperwork and to sectors such as financial services and research that have lost access to EU programs as evidence that a rethink is warranted.

Critics counter that rejoining would mean accepting rules Britain no longer helps write, potentially including freedom of movement, and would betray the outcome of the 2016 vote. They argue that the UK should instead focus on making the most of its existing freedoms and pursuing trade deals elsewhere in the world.

For now, Burnham has not announced any formal process, timetable, or referendum on the matter. His comments appear intended to open space for debate rather than to commit to a specific policy, leaving the government room to gauge public opinion and party sentiment before taking further steps.

The prime minister's conference speech and the follow-up interview together suggest that the EU relationship will remain a live issue under his leadership. Whether that debate ultimately leads to a serious push for rejoining — or simply to modest improvements in the current trading terms — will depend on how far public and political consensus can be built in the months ahead.