{
  "id": 1448880,
  "title": "My generation had no voice on Brexit – but Burnham gives the young fresh hope on Europe | Ceira Sergeant",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/my-generation-had-no-voice-on-brexit-but-burnham-gives-the-young",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T07:00:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/17/young-people-brexit-burnham-europe-opportunities"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brexit didn't single-handedly create all the current challenges young people face, but reestablishing strong ties with Europe presents numerous opportunities that were previously unattainable. At 14 years old, when the UK decided to leave the EU, I was unable to vote but acutely aware that the decision would have lasting implications for my life. This event marked my political awakening, highlighting the significance of politics in shaping one's future. As my generation grapples with the aftermath of Brexit, we find ourselves deprived of the automatic right to live, work, and study freely in 27 other countries, resulting in increased complexity, expense, or even complete unavailability of opportunities that previous generations enjoyed.\n\nDespite wealthier individuals finding ways to overcome some of these hurdles, the reality for many is that the lack of freedom of movement has hindered their prospects. For working-class young people like me, it meant the possibility of pursuing education and employment opportunities abroad, experiencing different cultures, and potentially building a life in a foreign country. However, this is precisely the type of opportunity that has been denied to working-class young people, who are now facing an increasingly unaffordable housing market, stagnant wages, and a growing sense that they may have less financial security than their parents.\n\nFormer Labour MP Andy Burnham's proposed approach to Europe is crucial in reestablishing a more positive relationship between the UK and the continent. He should prioritize easing restrictions on young people to study and work in Europe, thereby restoring opportunities for musicians, artists, and young creatives that have been stifled by limited access to the continent. Burnham must also ensure that these opportunities are not solely reserved for those who can afford to navigate the obstacles. However, while closer ties with Europe are essential, the ultimate goal for my generation is for the UK to rejoin the EU. In light of Burnham's stance on this matter, my message to him is clear: be bold and avoid becoming another prime minister who attempts to salvage Brexit only to face an early exit from office.\n\nAs young people who grew up connected to Europe and the world, we have never viewed someone in France, Germany, Poland, or Spain as being on the other side of a great divide. Instead, we see them as friends, colleagues, and partners. Politicians should recognize that many young people are disengaged from politics due to the feeling that their voices have been ignored and that reversing a decision as significant as Brexit is either impossible or off-limits for discussion. To combat this disengagement, Burnham should listen to the concerns of young people and genuinely provide them with a voice in the political process. In the upcoming National Rejoin March in June 2027, the generation that was too young to vote in 2016 will once again march in London, demanding to be heard and demanding a better future.",
  "summary": "Brexit didn’t create all the problems young people now face, but renewing close ties with Europe will give us so many opportunities I was 14 when the UK voted to leave the EU. Too young to vote, but not too young to understand that a decision was being made that would affect the rest of my life. In many ways, Brexit was my political awakening. It taught me that politics matters, because decisions…",
  "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."
}