Burnham’s ‘anachronistic’ bid to overturn Brexit eroding his credibility, say communists

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The Prime Minister has said he wants to consider options for a new relationship with the European Union, potentially including a return to full EU membership or joining the single market, which would require free movement.

He will meet EU chiefs, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on November 20, and wants a discussion about the long-term future of the relationship.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “The Prime Minister is clear that you can’t take anything off the table when you’re having a conversation.”

Mr Burnham has committed to the red lines in Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which ruled out a return to freedom of movement, the single market or customs union, meaning any change would have to wait until after an election.

Ms Rayner told the BBC: “We haven’t got the best deal at the moment because we’ve seen exports reduced by 20 per cent.

“I would like us to have an honest conversation about what the trade-offs could be and then put that to the people at a general election.”

Mr Burnham told the Sunday Times he wanted a “very factual, quite evidence-based debate.”

He suggested the migration experienced during EU membership was different from now and acknowledged freedom of movement “had very significant challenges associated with it.”

“But at the same time, it was a type of immigration that perhaps wasn’t as difficult [as now],” he said.

“Revolving-door migration where people would come and then go back is different.”

Communist Party general secretary Alex Gordon said: “Andy Burnham is facing both ways and his credibility is deteriorating fast.

“He is caught between appeasing the Rejoin EU lobby, and his by-election promise to voters of Makerfield not to ‘re-run’ Brexit arguments.

“As Europe rocks with the anger of young people, workers and pensioners demanding [an] end to EU austerity, deindustrialisation and preparations for war, the British political establishment’s desire to overturn the 2016 referendum result and rejoin the EU looks more and more anachronistic.”

Mr Burnham has previously insisted he will not call an early election, with the next contest due in 2029.

An Ipsos poll gave Labour 32 per cent, up five points on last month, the Conservatives 24 per cent and Reform UK 20 per cent.