Overview
- Burnham told the BBC on Thursday that his government will present a range of options for long‑term ties with the EU, from a customs union or single‑market access up to full EU membership.
- The European Commission called the UK a close partner and said Brussels is open to dialogue about any options the British government proposes.
- Officials say formal re‑entry would be lengthy because the EU has no fast track for former members so the UK would need to apply under the normal accession process and win approval and ratification from all member states and EU institutions.
- London is already pursuing practical cooperation: the UK will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027 and is negotiating closer energy, food‑trade and youth‑mobility arrangements while formal status is debated.
- Public opinion and politics remain major hurdles because polls show growing pro‑EU sentiment but rural and conservative voters oppose closer ties, and any major treaty change would likely require domestic approval such as a referendum.