Andy Burnham has said he won’t try to take the UK back into the EU, arguing that Britain would be “stuck in a permanent rut if we’re just constantly arguing.”
In his first major speech since announcing his run in the byelection, the mayor of Greater Manchester said he would keep a “relentless domestic focus” in Makerfield. “Let’s fix our own country. Let’s get it working again. Let’s get it back to where people want it to be,” he said.
His comments came after Wes Streeting, a potential rival for leadership, said the UK should rejoin the EU—his first big statement since resigning as health secretary. Burnham responded: “My view is that Brexit has been damaging, but I also believe the last thing we should do right now is rerun those arguments.”
Burnham said he wanted to put Makerfield and the north-west in the national spotlight during his byelection campaign. He explained that his fight against Reform UK would focus on what could change for places like that.
“I want to say sorry to the residents of the Makerfield constituency for the circus that’s about to arrive in town and some of the inconvenience they’ll experience as a result,” he said.
“But on the other hand, I also want to say this to them: I hope you see it as a good thing too—that the places making up this constituency, long forgotten by national politics, are finally at the centre of the national debate. And for the places in this constituency, you could read many similar places in yours.
“Let’s get them to the top of the agenda for the first time in a very long time. That’s what this byelection will hopefully achieve. My plan for Makerfield will be ambitious, and it will show how we lift up its people and places over the next decade.”
Burnham said he would argue that places like Makerfield have been let down for 40 years.
“The deindustrialisation of the 1980s was devastating for areas across Makerfield. That was followed by deregulation, privatisation, and austerity,” he said. “It all adds up to 40 years of neoliberalism that haven’t been kind to the north of England.
“Forty years of trickle-down economics that, in the end, didn’t trickle down very much at all to places like Platt Bridge or Hindley. In fact, that system has siphoned wealth out of those places and into the hands of people for whom life was already very good.
“I believe the byelection is very necessary. In my view, the time has come for a much bigger debate about how politics needs to change if it’s going to work properly for the north of England—because it doesn’t. It doesn’t, and that’s what we need to focus on. People are losing faith in politics.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Andy Burnhams statement that he wont try to take the UK back into the EU
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q Did Andy Burnham say he wants to rejoin the EU
A No He has clearly stated that he will not try to take the UK back into the EU He accepts that Brexit happened and is focusing on making it work better
Q Why would he say that Isnt he proEU
A He is generally seen as proEuropean but he is also a realist He knows that pushing for full rejoin is politically difficult and would divide people He thinks its more practical to improve the current relationship
Q So does he want things to stay exactly as they are now
A No He wants a closer relationship with the EU but from outside the bloc He talks about things like a better trade deal and easier travel for young people not full membership
Q Is he speaking for the Labour Party or just for himself
A He is speaking as the Mayor of Greater Manchester His view is his own but it reflects the current position of the Labour Party leadership which also rules out rejoining the EU
AdvancedLevel Questions
Q What exactly does taking the UK back into the EU mean in a practical sense
A It would mean reversing the 2016 referendum result The UK would have to reapply for membership accept all EU rules and give up its veto power This is a full toptobottom reversal of Brexit
Q If hes not for rejoining what is his specific alternative plan
A He advocates for a closer more mature relationship This includes things like a veterinary agreement to reduce food trade friction a youth mobility scheme for 1830 year olds mutual recognition of professional qualifications and rejoining certain EU science and security programs
Q Doesnt this position just please nobody Leavers will say hes still a Remainer and Remainers will say hes given up
A Yes that is the criticism This is a classic middle ground position It frustrates hardline Brexiteers who want a clean break and it disappoints those who see any relationship short
