Andy Burnham has ruled out a referendum on rejoining the European Union this parliament and said his only interest is improving the terms of the Brexit deal.
He said the current arrangement means the UK has lost control over immigration and said there is a need for an “honest discussion” about the prospect of returning to free movement between the UK and the EU.
He said that in “in my lifetime” he would like to see Britain return to the EU, but insisted the British public will make that decision. He also ruled out a general election.
Mr Burnham said Brexit “has changed things this decade” and he will be heading into discussions next month over redrawing Britain’s relationship with the EU.
“It’s my responsibility to get the best deal for Britain,” he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain. “We need to be honest about where we are.”
On the referendum and his talks with the EU, he said: “It is not about re-running the debate [but] the country has changed. How do we take steps to make it better?”
Reflecting on recent data showing the UK economy still growing, he said: “Britain is regaining its positivity” and the action on energy bills would be “relentless”.
Reform UK is reported to be planning the repeal of all EU laws still in operation.
See also:
Budget: State pension boost, help to ease costs on households and businesses
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