No 10 Downing Street Dismisses UK Rejoining EU Single Market After Burnham’s Referendum Remarks
Confusion has arisen regarding whether Andy Burnham would support a public referendum on rejoining the EU single market. In response to a broadcaster’s question, Burnham suggested that a referendum might be necessary, but his statements lacked clarity, and reports indicate no final decision has been made.
At the Labour conference, Burnham expressed a desire for open debate on Britain’s relationship with the EU, but he did not commit to a plan for full rejoining or merely returning to the single market, indicating that these options would be considered only after the next general election.
In a later interview, he hinted that a referendum might not be essential for rejoining, yet he emphasised that any discussions were premature. Following the conference, Burnham stated in Parliament that a referendum would indeed be required before any decision to rejoin the EU could be taken, as an election manifesto alone would not suffice.
Ben Riley-Smith, political editor at the Sunday Times, reported that Burnham reiterated the need for a new referendum to rejoin the EU, though he noted it might not apply to joining the single market or customs union. For Britain to enter the single market, it would have to accept EU freedom of movement rules.
Asked about allowing the UK to join the EU’s freedom of movement without a referendum, Burnham replied that this wouldn’t be possible, indicating that he doesn’t view the single market as a viable option without public approval. Government sources are suggesting that no conclusive decision has been made regarding whether a referendum would be required for such a move.
At a recent Downing Street briefing, a spokesperson clarified that the Prime Minister does not propose returning to freedom of movement and is focused on discussing the best long-term relationship with Europe for Britain, a decision that will ultimately rest with the British public.
In the same context, Burnham’s commitment to ending rough sleeping was also highlighted, as he plans to double funding for homelessness services to nearly £900 million by 2029.
