
A statement by Andy Burnham has brought the debate back into focus over whether the UK can move closer to the European Union, and even aim to return to the EU.
The British Prime Minister has not ruled out this possibility, saying it is a matter “for another day.” The debate returned during Burnham's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly.
In his speech, he also referred to Brexit and the past decade, emphasizing that Britain must look forward after the turbulent years that followed leaving the EU.
The government's official position for the time being remains that Britain should build closer relations with the EU, without returning to the Union, the single market or the customs union. However, within the Labour Party, voices are growing for a closer relationship with Europe.
One of these is Labour MP Karl Turner, who has argued that Brexit has damaged the British economy and has expressed the expectation that the country can return to the single market and customs union.
Burnham has a pro-European stance, but also has strong political ties to the north of England, where many traditional Labour voters supported Brexit in the 2016 referendum.
This makes the issue politically sensitive for his government.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has also been involved in this debate. His institute has published a report proposing that Britain should aim to return to the EU within a decade, while starting negotiations for a more structured relationship with the Union. The report also suggests that London should review current restrictions on the single market, customs union and free movement.
Meanwhile, the debate over Europe is also linked to the Labour Party's electoral calculations. Polls cited in Britain have shown increasing support for a closer relationship with the EU, but the results and their interpretation vary depending on the poll and the period in which it was conducted.
For now, Burnham has not declared that Britain will return to the EU. He has only left open the possibility that this issue will be discussed in the future, while his current priority is strengthening relations and cooperation with the European Union.