Understand
Why the Prime Minister wants to talk about Brexit again
Overview
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reviving the Brexit debate, arguing that the post-Brexit status quo has done more harm than good and is inadequate for Britain. He aims to deepen the UK's relationship with the EU at an upcoming Brussels summit while maintaining boundaries against joining the customs union, single market, or freedom of movement. His approach has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including Lord Frost, Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and Boris Johnson, particularly over his claims regarding Russian interference in the 2016 referendum and the prospect of a future in-out referendum.
Key points
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has argued that Brexit has done more harm than good and the status quo is insufficient for Britain.
- Burnham aims to deepen the UK's relationship with the EU at a summit in Brussels while ruling out a return to the customs union, single market, or freedom of movement.
- The medium-term strategy could potentially include offering a future in-out referendum in Labour's next general election manifesto.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the plans for rehashing old arguments, and Lord Frost argued voters made their decision a decade ago.
- Burnham claimed he received a clear answer that there was Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum, prompting strong denials and counter-arguments from figures like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson.