Key facts
- Current Brexit deal described as 'harder' than promised in 2016 referendum.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlined a two-stage approach to reforming Brexit.
- Initial changes to remain within Labour's 2024 manifesto commitments.
- Substantial changes would require public decision and a future parliament.
- Burnham criticized the deal for low growth, red tape, and weakened immigration control.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned ministers against expressing individual opinions on the UK's future relationship with the EU, stating that the current Brexit deal is more extreme than what was promised in the 2016 referendum. Burnham conveyed this at a cabinet meeting and in a letter to frontbenchers, arguing the deal has resulted in low growth, increased red tape for businesses, and weakened immigration control.
Burnham outlined a two-stage plan for reforming Brexit. The first stage involves initial changes consistent with Labour's 2024 manifesto, which excludes remaining in the EU's customs union and single market or reinstating freedom of movement. These steps are expected to begin when the prime minister attends a European summit next month. Any more significant alterations to the relationship would be subject to public decision and considered by a future parliament.