Andy Preston, a former Remain campaign lead and ex-mayor of Middlesbrough, has pleaded with Andy Burnham not to drag Britain back into what he calls "Brexit hell." Preston, who voted Remain, says that while he believes leaving the EU was a mistake, the public voted for it, and reopening the debate risks harming the economy.
Burnham's Brexit bomb
Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, recently opened the door to a customs union, the single market, and even "all the way" rejoining the EU. Preston argues that making it easier to trade with Europe is a world away from reversing the official divorce. He points out that since 2016, Britain has endured an exhausting referendum, endless negotiations, and two Brexit-related general elections, in 2017 and 2019.
Preston suggests Burnham's move is about boosting Labour votes rather than boosting trade. He notes that most Lib Dem and Green voters want to see Britain back in the EU, and that Burnham's comments could win back support that has drained away from Labour since July 2024.
Uncertainty kills jobs
Preston, who spent much of his working life investing in companies, says the biggest thing that holds business and investment back is uncertainty. He warns that investors cannot properly assess the risks of new bureaucracy or complex new trade rules, and that the can of worms opened this week will push some investment plans onto hold.
He asks whether it is a customs union, the single market, or full membership, noting that these are different things with vastly different consequences for trade, regulation, and immigration. He argues that rejoining wouldn't take Britain back to pre-referendum times, and would involve endless negotiations and haggling.
Preston points out that Burnham himself says Britain needs to show "confidence and stability" to the markets and the world. He urges the Prime Minister to focus on weak growth, high borrowing costs, and the nearly a million young people not in work, education, or training.
He concludes that improving the relationship with Europe and removing barriers to trade is good business sense, but talk of formal ties is the last thing needed. He calls on Burnham to end the decade of division, not start the next one.
