Burnham says UK 'can't afford another decade of post-Brexit drift', leaves door open to rejoining EU

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK cannot afford another decade of what he described as post-Brexit drift, suggesting he is open to reviewing the country's relationship with the European Union, including the possibility of eventually rejoining, according to a report by The Guardian.

In comments covered in the newspaper's live politics coverage, Burnham said all options are being considered regarding the UK's future ties with Europe and called for an open debate on the issue. The report frames this as one of the key takeaways from Burnham's conference speech, alongside broader remarks on domestic policy.

Burnham also addressed questions about electoral reform during a broadcast interview, saying it would not be legitimate, in his view, for a party to form a majority government with less than 30% of the vote. Asked why he favored a move toward proportional representation, Burnham pointed to his experience being elected under a different voting system as mayor of Greater Manchester, saying that system gave him reason to engage with voters beyond his own party's base by campaigning for second preferences.

The Guardian's report also cites Burnham defending his domestic record, including his push for a national care service, after facing criticism in the interview. He argued that pensioners relying on their basic state pension are being asked to pay disproportionately for care costs, questioning the fairness of the current system.

The remarks come as debate continues within UK politics over the country's long-term economic and diplomatic relationship with the EU nearly a decade after the Brexit referendum, with Burnham's comments suggesting a shift in tone from some previous government positions on the question of closer ties with Brussels.