Burnham labels current EU deal 'harder' than 2016 promise

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told his cabinet on Wednesday that the United Kingdom's current arrangement with the European Union is worse than the outcome promised during the 2016 referendum. He described the Conservative government's deal as a "harder Brexit" that has negatively impacted the British economy. This assessment formed the centerpiece of a series of announcements regarding a new strategy to deepen ties with Brussels.

A Downing Street summary of the meeting noted that Burnham's comments on the EU relationship took precedence over discussions about the upcoming budget. The chancellor, John Healey, was scheduled to deliver the fiscal statement shortly after the cabinet session. Burnham stated that the existing framework left by the previous administration had been detrimental to the UK. He added that it led to a more extreme departure from the EU than voters were told to expect.

The prime minister outlined a two-stage approach to reforming the relationship. The first phase involves initial changes that align with Labour's 2024 manifesto commitments. That manifesto pledged to remain outside the EU customs union and single market while avoiding the reinstatement of freedom of movement. This process will formally begin when Burnham attends a European summit next month. He said he hopes the summit will yield concrete steps toward improved relations.

Substantial changes to the UK's standing would wait until after the next general election. Burnham wrote to frontbenchers to clarify this timeline. He emphasized that any fundamental shifts in the relationship would be for the public to decide in a future parliament. The letter stated that this approach adheres to the principle of cabinet collective responsibility. Burnham noted that both the UK and the EU have changed considerably in the decade since the Brexit vote.

Burnham warned ministers to maintain discipline in their public messaging regarding these plans. He instructed them not to advocate for specific options or speculate on likely outcomes before the review of longer-term options is complete. The prime minister said it is important for the government to remain aligned during this period. This directive follows reports that some ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, have concerns about a revised deal potentially bringing back the free movement of people. Burnham has previously described free movement as a possibility.

The prime minister also addressed Brexit during questions at the Houses of Parliament. He argued that the UK had been paralyzed by the lack of a Conservative plan after the 2016 vote. Prime Minister Kemi Badenoch responded by pointing to benefits achieved under the current deal, such as the ability to remove VAT from energy bills. She suggested Burnham should express gratitude for the freedoms gained. Burnham maintained that the current arrangement has led to a decade of low growth and burdened businesses with excessive red tape.

The letter to ministers concluded by stating that the government aims to consider the UK's long-term relationship with the EU as part of a 10-year plan. Burnham said he would set out the next steps for this process around the time of the summit. He emphasized that any future relationship depends on practical arrangements that are realistic for both sides.