Rejoining the EU is among options for future ties, says UK prime minister

In an interview broadcast on Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that rejoining the EU was one of the potential solutions to determine the future relationship between Britain and Europe. This remark came after Burnham addressed his ruling Labour Party's annual conference, revealing that he would outline various options for future ties with the EU closer to a summit with the bloc later in the year.

In 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union through the Brexit referendum. Burnham, who previously supported staying in the EU, has expressed his hope that Britain would return to the 27-nation bloc during his lifetime. During a conversation with BBC Radio's Today Programme, Burnham mentioned that options like joining the European single market and customs union could be considered.

He emphasized that it is crucial to examine what is feasible and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Burnham, who has been the prime minister since July, stated in his leader's speech at the Labour conference that Brexit had resulted in a decade of low growth, leaving the UK in a weaker position. He emphasized that a clear path for Britain's future relationship with Europe, its largest market, is essential for the country's progress in the 21st century.

The planned summit with the EU had been scheduled for July in Brussels, but it was postponed after the Labour Party's leadership change from Keir Starmer to Burnham. According to the Financial Times, November 20 has now been set as the potential date for the summit, although the date has not been officially confirmed. Both sides aim to present several agreements at the summit, including those on food and animal safety standards, a youth mobility scheme, and linking their emissions-trading systems.