Burnham pushes for closer ties between Britain and the EU

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for closer ties between the United Kingdom and the European Union after warning that, in his assessment, Russian attempts to intervene in European politics show that the current situation is not enough, a thesis that reopens a debate other governments had avoided. --- The context --- Relations between London and the bloc were weakened after Brexit, and for years both Conservative and Labour governments avoided reopening that debate. At the Labour conference last month, Burnham had already argued that leaving did more harm than good and questioned the current agreement, so any rapprochement must explain what changes and what remains intact. --- The facts --- Burnham told the House of Commons on Monday that the campaign of hybrid attacks he attributes to Moscow, aimed in his account at destabilising democracies and influencing votes, requires a review of the relationship with the bloc. He argues that security, growth, immigration and the response to foreign interference require closer cooperation, and said it would be a breach of duty not to seek a stronger relationship with the 27 EU countries, which the country left in 2020. The Government expects to discuss agreements on food trade, energy, emissions, youth mobility and immigration at a summit planned in Brussels for 20 November. Burnham said the parties would discuss food and drink, energy, emissions trading, a youth experience scheme and migration cooperation, and that after the meeting a serious dialogue should open on the long term relationship. The summit was initially planned for July, but it was postponed because of disagreements over made in Europe rules, which, according to the British Government, will harm its producers. --- The positions --- Burnham proposed building political consensus and even mentioned rejoining the bloc, although he remains bound by his predecessor Keir Starmer commitment not to return to the single market or the customs union. The EU welcomed the change of tone, although it distrusts that London may seek benefits reserved for members, a caution that limits any negotiation. --- What remains unknown --- Burnham also said Moscow tried to influence the 2016 referendum, his own claim and not a proven fact. The Government later clarified that those attempts did not succeed and that it considers the result legitimate. Responding to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Burnham replied that, according to his claim, Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 elections. Russia rejects interference accusations, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the claim as outrageous. --- Unanswered questions --- Can cooperation with the EU be deepened without moving towards a staged return to the bloc? What guarantees will the Government offer that the single market and the customs union will not be reopened? Will Brussels accept granting concrete advantages to a country that does not take on the obligations of members? --- EPM analysis --- Prudence requires separating two levels: cooperating on security or energy does not amount to reversing Brexit, but mentioning a possible future return feeds suspicion of gradual change without a clear mandate. The summit will only be defensible if each agreement respects the decision taken, protects British producers and undergoes parliamentary scrutiny before lasting commitments are assumed. 📌 EPM Take: In EPM's view, cooperating more closely with Europe on security, energy and immigration can be reasonable and even necessary, but the Government has an obligation to draw a clear line between specific agreements and a disguised return to the bloc, respect the commitment not to return to the single market or the customs union, and demonstrate in Brussels that any progress protects British interests without eroding the legitimacy of the referendum result.

---