Burnham says there is no 'confusion' in his EU position after referendum row

Prime Minister denies shift in Brexit position

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday that there is 'no confusion' in his position on the European Union, responding to accusations from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. She said Burnham had 'created confusion' and asked whether he wanted a referendum on rejoining the EU, adding that he did not 'respect' the result of the 2016 vote. According to BBC News, the Prime Minister rejected that he had changed his position since the Makerfield by-election, where he promised not to 'relaunch' the Brexit debate. Earlier this week he allowed for the possibility of a referendum on restoring freedom of movement, after which, as the BBC noted, Downing Street appeared to walk back that statement.

'Red lines' and the Brussels summit

'The government has a collectively agreed position, which I set out today. It is fully consistent with everything I have said, including at the by-election. The red lines of our manifesto, including freedom of movement, will remain intact until the end of this parliament,' Burnham said. The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto ruled out the return of freedom of movement, single market membership or a customs union. At the same time, Burnham acknowledged that the country had faced low growth and insufficient migration control because of a 'harder Brexit than was promised' in 2016, and said his task was to 'secure a better deal for Britain' at the summit in Brussels on 20 November. There he will present options for resetting relations on youth mobility, food and drink, energy and cooperation against illegal migration.

Letter to the cabinet and the framework of the discussion

The speech coincided with the publication of a letter from Burnham to cabinet ministers asking them to be 'coordinated and disciplined' ahead of the summit: 'ministers should not individually advocate specific options or comment on the likely outcome of the process.' He hopes for 'important concrete steps' and promised to determine the next steps on 'long-term relations with the EU within our 10-year plan', adding that any 'fundamental change' to relations 'would be a matter of public decision and of the next parliament'. Thus, for now, preparations for negotiations on practical arrangements have been confirmed, while a revision of the foundations of the relationship has officially been deferred to a future parliament and a possible public decision.

Image source, Press Association