Burnham: Failing to pursue better EU deal would be ‘major dereliction of duty’

Andy Burnham has declared that not seeking an improved agreement with the European Union would amount to a “major dereliction of duty”. The warning comes as MPs return to Westminster following the party conference recess, with Burnham expected to place Brexit back on the Commons agenda. He will urge parliamentarians to confront the economic harm caused by the UK’s departure from the bloc.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Burnham is set to advocate for closer ties with Brussels, arguing that enhanced cooperation could boost growth and assist in tackling illegal immigration. He contends that Britain cannot ignore opportunities for greater collaboration with Europe. According to Burnham, the current arrangement is insufficient, and he will call for a measured evaluation of the UK’s relationship with the EU.

Growing political divisions

The intervention occurs amid fresh disagreements over Britain’s European policy. Senior Conservatives have pledged to reverse Labour’s steps towards closer EU alignment, including a proposed deal to reduce post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade. Business groups warn that abandoning such measures would extend costs and uncertainty linked to border checks and paperwork.

Burnham’s stance has also caused unease within his own party. Some MPs representing leave-voting constituencies fear that reopening the Brexit debate could reignite old tensions. Nevertheless, he is expected to argue that most of the public would expect the government to seize any opportunity that strengthens immigration controls while reviving the economy.

His statement coincides with a Westminster Hall debate on a petition calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU, which has gathered over 111,000 signatures. Additionally, Burnham recently said he had received confirmation of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum after seeking clarification upon entering Downing Street. He did not disclose evidence or claim the result was altered. Burnham’s approach marks a shift from his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union. At Labour’s conference in Liverpool last month, Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good and promised to examine the long-term relationship with the EU, keeping open the possibility of full membership.