By Karim Hammam
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey are again at odds over Britain's future relationship with the European Union, with Burnham advocating closer ties and a possible referendum on rejoining, while Healey dismisses the prospect of EU membership returning in his lifetime.
Divergent Views on EU Rejoining
Burnham said earlier this week that Brexit had "weakened our economy" and affected immigration levels, adding that a future Labour manifesto could include an in-out referendum on rejoining the bloc. He admitted he wants to see Britain rejoin the EU in his lifetime. Healey, who is 10 years older, told Channel 4 News: "I'm older than Andy Burnham. I don't expect to see that. My job is to try and make the most of Britain's position now."
Upcoming EU Summit
The prime minister is set to meet EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on 20 November, aiming to secure deals on food and drink, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme. Burnham said he would not "move ahead of the public" but argued Brexit had not "played out as people said it would at the time."
Economic Impact Debate
Healey denied that UK growth would be stronger inside the EU or single market, telling LBC: "We had a referendum. We're out of the European Union." Pressed on claims that single market access could boost GDP by 5 per cent, he acknowledged the Brexit deal "was not a good one" but said his focus is reinforcing economic resilience.
Political Fallout
At Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of reopening the Brexit debate ahead of the Budget and failing to respect the 2016 referendum result. Burnham denied his position had changed since the Makerfield by-election that brought him to power earlier this year.
