Burnham reopens Brexit debate; EU says UK must chart its own path on future ties

The European Union said Wednesday that it is up to London to chart a way forward for Britain's relations with the bloc, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham put the idea of rejoining on the table.

Burnham reopened the divisive Brexit debate by saying his centre-left Labour government could go "all the way" and propose membership of the European Union, once it has weighed the pros and cons of different possible relationships with Europe.

A cautious EU response

Brussels' response signaled that the EU is prepared to let the UK determine its own path, placing the onus on London to decide how far it wants to go in redefining its post-Brexit relationship with the bloc, rather than pushing a particular outcome from the European side.

Burnham's comments mark a notable reopening of a debate that has remained politically sensitive in the UK since the country's departure from the EU, with rejoining the bloc representing the most far-reaching of the options he described as still under consideration.

The prime minister's remarks suggest his government is prepared to examine the full range of possible relationships with Europe, from closer alignment short of membership to full rejoining, before settling on a defined approach going forward.