Prime Minister Andy Burnham opened the door to rejoining the European Union on Wednesday, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Britain could “go all the way” if ministers conclude it is workable. The interview escalates a conference pledge to reset relations with Brussels and sets up a public options review before a delayed UK–EU summit expected in late November.
Four options on the record
Asked whether he wanted the UK back inside the bloc, Burnham said he preferred to “look at the options” rather than prejudge them. He listed four paths: keep the current Brexit settlement; pursue a customs union along lines suggested by former Chancellor George Osborne; seek single-market access as Liberal Democrats argued at their conference; or move to full EU membership.
“We could stay as we are. That’s definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay,” he said. “Or we could go all the way.” He added that each route needs a hard-headed assessment of pros, cons and deliverability.
Why the timing bites
Burnham’s Tuesday Labour conference speech already blamed Brexit for lost control over immigration and economic ties, calling the current relationship “not good enough.” Sir Keir Starmer’s exit from Downing Street delayed the EU summit that was meant to showcase incremental market-access wins; Burnham now wants that rescheduled meeting to present distinct long-term choices rather than incremental fixes alone.
The Guardian reported that Starmer’s red lines against rejoining the single market or customs union may face internal pressure as Burnham prepares a 10-year economic transformation plan promised alongside the European reset. Conservative and Reform voices will frame any rejoin talk as reopening a referendum wound; EU capitals will watch whether London is seeking symbolism or treaty change.
Procedure and politics
Full membership would require a referendum under Britain’s constitutional practice, a bar Burnham did not spell out in the interview but that opposition parties will cite immediately. A customs union or single-market arrangement would still need negotiation with the Commission and ratification hurdles in Westminster and, for some models, in devolved legislatures.
Burnham said he did not want the EU question “hanging” without clarity on where Britain should be in the next decade. That language signals Cabinet work on a structured comparison rather than a snap campaign, but the media cycle will treat “go all the way” as a headline shift from managed divergence to explicit rejoin consideration.
What comes next
Officials must translate four options into costings on trade, migration and regulatory alignment before the summit. Business groups that backed tighter EU ties will push for single-market access at minimum; Brexit hardliners inside Labour’s broad tent will demand proof that any move beats the status quo on growth.
For now the news is the prime minister’s own words on morning radio: rejoining the EU is not ruled out, it is listed alongside softer forms of rapprochement, and the government intends to show its working before European leaders gather again. The whip count that matters is public opinion in marginal seats—and whether Burnham can keep a single options paper from splitting his party before November.