Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to tell the House of Commons that refusing a closer partnership with the European Union would constitute a serious dereliction of duty, provided such an arrangement can be agreed upon in Brussels. In a statement to MPs on Monday, he will argue that it is necessary to confront the reality that Brexit has caused more damage than benefit and that the current situation is insufficient for the United Kingdom.
Burnham first committed to investigating deeper ties with the bloc during the Labour Party conference last month, announcing a UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year. He intends to use the Commons address to claim that a revised agreement could assist in curbing illegal immigration and stimulate economic expansion, asserting that the public would largely expect him to seize the opportunity.
Speaking to the BBC previously, the prime minister suggested that a future Labour election manifesto might include a pledge for an in-out referendum on the EU. The summit between the two sides was originally planned for the summer but was delayed after Sir Keir Starmer resigned. It has now been moved to next month.
A number 10 source indicated that Burnham recognizes why some politicians avoid acknowledging that Brexit has failed to meet its promises. However, the source emphasized the need for a new discussion on the long-term relationship with neighbors, stating that maintaining the status quo and neglecting to secure a growth-boosting deal would be a major failure.
Burnham has previously stated that immigration control was weakened by Brexit because the UK lost collaborative frameworks with European partners, requiring renewed effort to restore them. Conversely, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the idea of reopening the debate, calling it a terrible idea that would waste time, create uncertainty for businesses, and lead to circular arguments.
The Commons resumes on Monday for the first time since 15 September, following a recess that coincided with party conferences.
Is an in-out referendum really the answer? Businesses need stability, not another long, circular argument.
Finally, a PM willing to admit the obvious. Keeping the status quo is indeed dereliction of duty.