‘Visible and engaged’: Burnham in listening mode with businesses at Labour party conference

Andy Burnham, the U.K. Labour Party’s shadow health secretary, is set to address Brexit during his speech at the Labour party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday. The issue of the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) has divided Labour members, with some advocating for a closer relationship and others pushing for a return to pre-Brexit arrangements.

Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell warned that going beyond EU plans is "not possible nor desirable," while Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds cautioned against "constitutional questions" around Britain's EU relationship causing uncertainty for business. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, however, emphasized the importance of a "deeper" partnership with the EU, highlighting the common values and interests they share.

Stella Creasy, who chairs the Labour Movement for Europe caucus, urged Burnham to abandon Keir Starmer's "red lines" in negotiations with the EU, calling for a focus on "common goals" instead.

The scope of talks has broadened, with discussions now extending to issues such as the UK's business environment, agriculture, youth visas, and emissions. However, progress on these talks has been slow, with a summit scheduled for July yet to be rescheduled. Despite these challenges, some see a deeper relationship with the EU as a way to win back support and rejuvenate the Labour Party.