The deal negotiated by the Conservatives is not working for the country, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told his Cabinet earlier this week.
BBC News reports that Burnham faces internal Labour Party divisions after deciding to pursue closer ties with the EU. He is considering potential re-entry into the single market.
The Prime Minister’s openness to discussing the single market or the customs union tests party unity. Housing secretary Angela Rayner has reportedly encouraged former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take a bolder stance on Brexit since at least autumn 2022.
Rayner is understood to be pushing for more decisive action. But she says the party must follow its manifesto red lines regarding the EU.
Some colleagues worry about the long-term effects of rejoining the bloc. They also worry about reintroducing freedom of movement. Yahoo reports that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed caution. She cited the potential costs and consequences of both rejoining the EU and remaining outside of it.
Opposition parties have reacted sharply to the Prime Minister’s shift toward Europe. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said aligning with EU rules is a red line for her party. Some Conservative MPs fear the issue could divide their voters. This is especially true for people in the south of England who were won back after the Brexit vote.
Reform UK said it is prepared to challenge the Prime Minister on these issues. Burnham will travel to Brussels next week for a UK-EU summit. He intends to sign agreements regarding energy, food, and youth mobility.
A strategist for Reform UK said:
The Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Brussels next week for a UK-EU summit to sign agreements regarding energy, food, and youth mobility.