Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pursuit of a new economic relationship with the European Union has been condemned as a betrayal of the 2016 Brexit vote, with critics accusing him of seeking to reverse the result without a mandate.
Burnham, who became Prime Minister without a general election victory, has argued that it would be a "dereliction of duty" not to seek a new deal with the EU. The move follows ongoing talks over a post-Brexit reset intended to reduce trade barriers and strengthen cooperation.
Labour's Long-Held Ambition
Britain voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum by 52% to 48%, a decision that saw the UK leave the single market and customs union, ending automatic free movement. However, critics argue that Labour has long wanted to rejoin, and Burnham's current stance confirms that ambition.
During the Makerfield by-election that returned him to Parliament, Burnham promised he would not re-run the arguments of Brexit. That promise is now described as mendacious, given his advocacy for a closer economic relationship with the bloc.
Barnier's Warning on Free Movement
Former chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has stated that any return to the single market and customs union would require accepting free movement. He said: "There is no possible negotiation on any kind of cherry-picking or the single market 'a la carte'. The UK knows quite perfectly the conditions to be part of and to rejoin the single market and the customs union."
Rejoining would mean the UK accepting rules that allow EU citizens to move to Britain to live and work, alongside the free movement of goods, services and capital. Barnier added that the decision to seek EU membership again rests with Britain, and it would be "the choice of the UK people" for the Government to request fresh negotiations.
Growing Pressure for a Second Vote
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that those wanting to rejoin must make compelling arguments to the public, a stance critics interpret as a precursor to a second referendum. The article notes that Eurozone inflation has climbed to 3.8%, and France has suffered social and economic decline, adding to concerns about the consequences of a return.
The criticism concludes that Burnham, described as a "squatter in No 10," is attempting to overturn the result of a democratic vote, and warns that any attempt to take Britain back into the EU without a fight will face significant opposition.
