Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has suggested that rejoining the European Union is among the potential options for the United Kingdom to reshape its long-term relationship with Europe. Speaking to the BBC, Burnham indicated that the current post-Brexit settlement has been detrimental and that he wishes to explore feasible avenues for repairing relations with the bloc.

These remarks follow a pledge made in his recent Labour conference speech to investigate closer ties with the EU, with a delayed summit scheduled later this year. The potential shift in position could create a significant political divide ahead of the next general election, as the Conservative party has signaled opposition, accusing Labour of seeking to reignite the Brexit debates.

Burnham elaborated on his perspective, stating that he wants to address the UK's relationship with the EU definitively and outline a clear direction for the nation over the next decade. When questioned directly about rejoining the EU, he stated that he wants to examine the available options. He acknowledged previously advocating for such a move within his lifetime, though he qualified that this is not necessarily the current immediate objective.

He presented a spectrum of possibilities, including maintaining the current status quo, exploring a customs union as proposed by former Chancellor George Osborne, or considering the Liberal Democrats' suggestion of rejoining the single market. Burnham emphasized the need to assess the feasibility and the respective advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Burnham's comments signal a potential departure from Labour's 2024 general election manifesto, which focused on making Brexit work and explicitly ruled out rejoining the customs union or the single market. His predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, had previously pursued a more limited reset, such as aligning with EU food standards and establishing a youth visa.

The delayed summit with the EU, originally planned for the summer, is now anticipated later this year. Burnham also intends to release a 10-year economic plan for the UK around the same time.

International reactions have emerged, with French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly stating that the UK's desire to rejoin the EU would be "very good news." Spanish President Pedro Sanchez indicated that his country would welcome Britain's return.

These statements by Burnham come amid ongoing discussions about the UK's economic and political future outside the European Union, with different factions proposing various degrees of reintegration or continued separation.