PM Burnham to tell Commons rejecting closer EU ties would be a "dereliction of duty"

Mixed · 2Prime minister Andy Burnham is expected to tell the Commons on Monday 12 October that it would be a "dereliction of duty" to turn down a closer relationship with the European Union if one can be negotiated. 1 2 Mixed · 2The statement is the first business on the Commons' return from recess; the Commons last sat on 15 September, and the break covered some of the party conferences. 1 2 Centre · 1According to the BBC, Burnham will say it is time to "face up to the reality that Brexit has done more harm than good" and that "the status quo is not good enough for Britain". He will argue that a new deal could help tackle illegal immigration and boost economic growth, and that if he could secure one "the vast majority of the public would expect us to take it". 1

Mixed · 2A No 10 source said Burnham understands why some politicians do not want to face up to the fact that Brexit "has not delivered what they once promised", and that sticking with the status quo without working "relentlessly" for a good growth-boosting deal would be a "major dereliction of duty". 2 1 Left · 1The Guardian reports he will call for a calm, clear-eyed assessment and ask MPs from across the Commons to back a pragmatic approach, with ministers seeking progress on food trade barriers and closer cooperation on migration. 2 Centre · 1A UK-EU summit due in the summer was postponed after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation and has been rescheduled for next month. The BBC says Burnham hopes to secure tweaks to current arrangements and to begin a wider conversation about the long-term relationship. 1

Mixed · 2At Labour's conference last month Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good and that immigration control had been weakened by it. The Guardian says he opened the door to options including fully rejoining the bloc, in contrast to Starmer, who ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union. He also told the BBC it was "possible" a future Labour manifesto could promise a new in-out referendum. 2 1 Mixed · 2Opposition is expected: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called reopening the Brexit debate "a terrible idea", and the Guardian says senior Conservatives vow to reverse Labour's moves, including a proposed food and agricultural trade agreement, prompting business warnings that abandoning it could prolong border costs. 1 2 Left · 1The Guardian adds that some Labour MPs in leave-voting seats fear renewing the debate could reopen old divisions. The same day MPs are due to debate in Westminster Hall a petition, with more than 111,000 signatures, calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU. 2

Mixed · 2The statement follows Burnham's declaration on Sunday that Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum; he did not reveal the evidence or suggest it changed the result. 2 1