Andy Burnham Wants Closer EU Ties at November Summit as Brexit Debate Returns to Westminster

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed the date for the second United Kingdom-European Union Summit, raising questions about whether he is taking the first steps towards reversing Brexit. The UK Mission to the EU announced on X that the summit will be held on 20 November 2026 in Brussels.

'There is a great deal of work ahead. I look forward to welcoming Ministers to Brussels and cracking on with delivering on our shared ambitions for security, prosperity and growth,' said Dame Caroline Wilson, UK Ambassador to the EU.

What the Summit Means for the UK

Burnham is expected to meet European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Among the most important issues for Britain is reducing costs and red tape for British farmers and businesses when dealing with their European counterparts.

Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the first summit in London on 19 May 2025. The meeting resulted in an agreement between Starmer and von der Leyen to establish a new strategic partnership and strengthen bilateral cooperation in economic and other areas.

Starmer described the summit as a reset of EU relations after Brexit. But Burnham appears more keen to revisit Britain's relationship with the 27-member bloc, particularly following his recent comments about alleged Russian interference in the Brexit referendum.

'A threadbare Brexit deal has damaged our economy,' Burnham said ahead of the summit. 'Britain can do so much better, so at this summit I want to take practical steps that pay off for the British public, cutting costs for our farmers, food producers and families.'

Reform UK: Burnham Is 'Untrustworthy' and a 'Liar'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the party's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, have accused Burnham of being 'untrustworthy' and a 'liar'. They revisited Burnham's statements before becoming Prime Minister.

On 4 June 2026, Burnham said that 'rerunning Brexit now would be a mistake, because it would just entrench that feeling of division'. However, in a separate statement, Burnham said he wanted the UK to rejoin the EU in his lifetime.

Farage focused on Burnham's comments about not rerunning Brexit arguments, saying: 'Andy Burnham cannot be trusted to look after British sovereignty. He promised not to "re-run" arguments over Brexit, but here we are.' Yusuf, referring to Burnham's campaign promise not to reopen Brexit arguments, posted: 'Andy Burnham is a liar.'

Benefits of a Closer EU Relationship

'The EU is our closest neighbour, largest market and a vital security partner. The deals we are working towards will make us safer, cut back on paperwork that bogs down business and ease pressure on supermarket prices,' said Burnham.

Valérie Hayer, a member of the European Parliament, welcomed the prospect of the UK returning to the EU. 'The door opened by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to a return of the United Kingdom to the European Union is good news... Brexit has been one of the biggest lies in politics in recent decades.'

Liberal Democrat MP Monica Harding also supports closer ties with the EU. 'Rejoining the single market and a customs union would bring growth and prosperity back to Britain.' However, former Prime Minister Liz Truss disagreed: 'Britain has outgrown France and Germany since Brexit. Yet Labour is determined to drag us backwards.'