Overview
- This week Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly launched a formal review of Britain’s post‑Brexit ties with the EU and said options range from keeping the current arrangement to joining the customs union, seeking single‑market access, or rejoining the EU.
- Senior EU figures reacted positively with Germany’s ambassador describing Berlin as a ‘partner’ and other leaders signalling willingness to engage if the UK seeks closer ties or re‑admission.
- Prominent Brexiteers and Conservative figures have fiercely criticised Burnham’s stance, with Reform UK and MPs such as Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman warning it will energise their parties and accuse him of abandoning the 2016 vote.
- Former trade ministers and economists warned that customs‑union or single‑market membership would likely undermine many post‑Brexit trade agreements by forcing the UK to accept EU rules and common external tariffs, leaving Britain in a weaker bargaining position.
- No policy change has been made yet as Downing Street tests public and expert opinion ahead of a planned UK‑EU summit later this year, with officials consulting pollsters and think‑tanks and any route to change likely to require years of negotiation or a future manifesto pledge or referendum.