Burnham: Brexit has weakened economy, deal not good enough

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Monday that the current Brexit arrangement is not good enough for Britain, arguing that the economic and border outcomes have fallen short of promises made to the public. He acknowledged that the country has experienced a harder form of Brexit than proposed during the 2016 referendum campaign.

Burnham identified the small boats crisis as a primary indicator of weakened border control. He explained that the UK can no longer return migrants to Europe in the same manner it previously could, a limitation that has driven an increase in irregular crossings. He supported Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s recent immigration proposals, including a plan requiring foreign workers to wait 15 years for permanent residency.

The prime minister described the 15-year residency rule as a principle of earning settlement rather than having it granted automatically. He said the move aligns with Labour’s manifesto red lines, although he noted that the party is not proposing re-entry into the European Union during the current parliament.

Addressing the political risk in northern and Midlands constituencies that voted to leave, Burnham noted that 65% of constituents in his Makerfield seat voted for Brexit. He stated that he would not rerun the referendum but would allow the public to remain the decision-makers on the issue’s future direction. He emphasized that practical steps are needed to improve the existing arrangement without shifting the party’s fundamental position.

Burnham told Good Morning Britain that while he personally would like to see the UK rejoin the EU in his lifetime, he would not move ahead of public opinion. He rejected the idea of an early general election, despite polling data suggesting a sustained support boost for his leadership. He told the public to put the idea of an imminent vote out of their minds.

The prime minister linked the economic impact of Brexit to specific industries, noting that British food manufacturers have been hit hard by the current trade rules. He expressed hope that a UK-EU summit scheduled for 20 November could produce a deal that addresses these sectors. He also described the upcoming Wednesday budget as a measure to provide breathing space for people and businesses.

The comments come as Labour MPs from leave-voting areas weigh the risks of reopening the Brexit debate. Burnham’s stance attempts to balance his own preference for closer EU ties with the political reality of his party’s base. He maintained that the current deal has weakened the economy while failing to resolve the immigration challenges that were central to the original argument for leaving.

Burnham’s remarks provide a detailed account of the government’s current strategy. He framed the issue as a need for practical adjustments rather than a radical shift in policy. The prime minister’s position underscores the tension between his personal views and the mandates of the constituencies he represents.