A Labour MP who helped write the party's Brexit red lines has called on Andy Burnham to abandon them before the next General Election. Chris Ward, who co-wrote the pledges in Labour's 2024 manifesto, said they should be given a "well-earned and dignified retirement".
The red lines rule out rejoining the EU, the single market and the customs union, and restoring freedom of movement. Writing in The Guardian, the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP admitted they were "designed precisely to close down the debate and to narrow the target" Brexit had become for Labour.
Call for Public Debate
Mr Ward, a former Cabinet Office minister and one of Sir Keir Starmer's closest allies, said they "no longer speak to the world as it is in 2026". He argued Britain "could no longer rely on the Americans" and called for a public debate on whether the UK should rejoin the EU or seek a form of associate membership.
The call comes before Mr Burnham meets EU chiefs in Brussels on Friday, November 20, where the UK is set to sign agreements on food, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme.
Political Reactions
The Prime Minister has said he wants Britain back in the EU in his lifetime, though he told ITV he was "not proposing any changes in this Parliament". He has also called for an "honest discussion" about free movement, before insisting he had not proposed its return.
Many Labour MPs have said it would be right for Mr Burnham to consider rejoining. But critics warn Leave voters are being sold down the river. Nigel Farage, the Leader of Reform UK, has warned he is ready to fight to save Brexit, branding the move a "betrayal".
Public Opinion and Next Steps
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said last month a return to free movement would mean "handing back control of our borders". A poll of voters in Mr Burnham's Makerfield seat, for campaign group Britain Unbound, found around 80% wanted the UK alone to decide regional state aid. As few as 2% backed international bodies.
Mr Ward insisted the red lines had been the right strategy, and said the reset would show "real benefits can be delivered within those red lines". The debate continues as Mr Burnham prepares for his Brussels meeting later this month.
