{
  "id": 13947075,
  "title": "Burnham urges MPs to back closer EU ties after Brexit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/burnham-urges-mps-to-back-closer-eu-ties-after-brexit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T11:39:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/1012/1595036-burnham-urges-mps-to-back-closer-eu-ties-after-brexit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Labour MP Andy Burnham will urge fellow legislators to back the government's pursuit of closer ties with the European Union following the Brexit vote, according to a report. The Prime Minister is anticipated to reiterate his argument from the recent Labour Party conference, stating that Brexit has caused more harm than good. Burnham will advocate for all political parties to support the government's approach towards establishing a stronger relationship with the EU. This move could potentially aid in managing immigration and spur economic growth.\n\nA Downing Street source revealed, \"Andy understands why some politicians don't want to confront the reality that Brexit has failed to meet their earlier promises.\" Burnham will emphasize that maintaining the current situation and failing to work tirelessly to secure a favorable deal that stimulates growth would be a grave dereliction of duty. During the Labour conference in Liverpool, Burnham announced that he would outline the options for Britain's long-term relationship with Europe around the time of a planned UK-EU summit at the end of the year. He has hinted that these options might involve rejoining the bloc.\n\nLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey suggested that Burnham should abandon Labour's stance against rejoining the European customs union or single market. Davey stated, \"We are prepared to engage with anyone who shares our vision of fixing the broken relationship with Europe to strengthen Britain's economy and defenses.\" Every day and month wasted in not initiating serious talks with the EU, the report adds, results in more damage to the economy. The Liberal Democrat leader contends that it is time to restore trading links, dismantle new barriers like 'Made in Europe,' and provide the economy with the growth and job boost that businesses and citizens are demanding.\n\nHowever, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage dismissed Burnham's remarks, labeling him a 'liar'. At a press conference in Hythe, Farage declared, \"There was no Russian interference, and the Russia hoax has run through this entire debacle.\" Earlier, the Prime Minister claimed on a podcast interview that it was clear Russia had interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. However, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty declined to provide specifics about the form and extent of Russian interference in the 2016 referendum during a Times Radio interview. Doughty affirmed that Russia is attempting to interfere in democratic processes not only in the UK but across Europe. He also revealed that Russia is spending £1.5 billion on disinformation in the current year and called for a \"whole of society\" effort to counter Moscow's threat to British democracy.",
  "summary": "Andy Burnham says Britain must pursue a new EU deal to boost growth and jobs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}