Understand
Prime Minister Andy Burnham to tell Commons that rejecting closer EU ties is a dereliction of duty
Overview
In a statement to the Commons, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to argue that rejecting a closer relationship with the European Union would be a dereliction of duty. Burnham will state that Brexit has done more harm than good and that a new deal could boost economic growth and help tackle illegal immigration. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has opposed reopening the Brexit debate, calling it a terrible idea.
Key points
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to tell the Commons that turning down a closer relationship with the EU would be a "dereliction of duty".
- Burnham will argue that the status quo is insufficient and that Brexit has done more harm than good.
- A rescheduled UK-EU summit is planned for next month to discuss tweaks to current arrangements and the UK's long-term relationship with the bloc.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move, describing reopening the Brexit debate as a terrible idea that would waste time and disrupt business investment.