Andy Burnham has refused to rule out taking Britain «all the way» back into the European Union, saying he is examining every option for the country's future relationship with Brussels. The Prime Minister's remarks open the door to the most significant shift in UK-European policy since Brexit and place the question of membership back at the centre of national debate.
Burnham said he would «lay out options» around the time of the next UK-EU summit, which is expected at the end of November or shortly afterwards. The commitment amounts to a formal review of the settlement Britain has operated under since leaving the bloc, and it signals that the government is prepared to consider a range of outcomes rather than simply managing the existing trade arrangements.
In an interview, the Prime Minister confirmed he was looking at all possibilities for the UK's future relationship with Brussels. Asked whether rejoining could be among them, he did not close the door, indicating that a return to membership is no longer treated as an unmentionable subject inside Downing Street. The position marks a departure from the reluctance that has characterised much of the political class since the 2016 referendum.
Burnham has also argued that Brexit has «done more harm than good», a judgment that underpins the case for a fresh assessment. By framing the review in those terms, he has aligned himself with voters and businesses who believe the current arrangements have damaged trade, investment and growth. The review is intended to produce a clear picture of the costs and benefits before any decision is taken.
The timing is significant. The next UK-EU summit is expected to bring together British and European leaders to discuss cooperation on trade, security and other shared priorities. Presenting options around that moment would allow the government to test the political ground while giving Brussels a signal that London is willing to discuss deeper ties. It would also allow ministers to prepare the public for choices that could include closer alignment, a revised trading relationship or, at the furthest end of the spectrum, a return to membership.
Any move towards rejoining would be politically fraught. Brexit remains a divisive issue in British politics, and the question of a second referendum is sensitive for all major parties. Burnham's language suggests he is aware of those risks and is deliberately avoiding a firm commitment while keeping the option alive. The review allows him to argue that he is following the evidence rather than pursuing an ideological project.
The economic context adds weight to the debate. Businesses have long complained about customs friction, regulatory duplication and lost access to European markets. Supporters of closer ties argue that a more ambitious relationship would lower barriers and improve conditions for exporters. Critics counter that reopening the settlement would create uncertainty and distract from domestic priorities. The review is likely to become a focal point for both camps.
For now, the Prime Minister has stopped short of promising a referendum or a specific timetable for change. Instead, he has committed to an assessment that will set out the available routes and their consequences. That approach leaves the final decision open while ensuring the EU question returns to the top of the political agenda. The coming weeks, and the summit itself, will determine whether the review becomes the first step towards a new relationship or remains a stocktaking exercise.