Andy Burnham has urged Parliament to engage in an open conversation about rebuilding ties with the European Union, despite fierce political pushback from opponents like Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Although polling indicates a majority of Britons view Brexit as an error, public support drops sharply if rejoining requires adopting the euro or accepting Schengen border rules. To navigate skepticism from European leaders, officials are considering pragmatic alternatives, including customs agreements or entering the European Free Trade Association. Proposals have also emerged to establish a cross-party House of Commons committee to supervise the November discussions and target barrier reducti…
Key points
The government will maintain its 2024 election pledge not to overturn the referendum resu…: The government will maintain its 2024 election pledge not to overturn the referendum result during the current parliament.
Upcoming negotiations in Brussels will focus on practical compromises regarding trade pro…: Upcoming negotiations in Brussels will focus on practical compromises regarding trade protocols rather than pursuing formal European Union accession.
A cross-party Commons committee has been proposed to monitor the November negotiations an…: A cross-party Commons committee has been proposed to monitor the November negotiations and push for reduced trade barriers.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Andy Burnham’s opening debate on whether Britain should rejoin the EU is divisive, painful and politically risky. That is why it should be welcomed. To jeopardise his popularity so soon after coming to office might seem reckless, but the issue is urgent and not going away. Brexit is continuing to damage the nation’s economy. The prime minister’s job is to challenge, if not reform it.
The Brexit decade has evoked a bizarre sense of guilt among Britons. Opinion polls show nearly 60% regard it as a mistake, with just a third still in favour. Almost a quarter of those who voted for Brexit now regret it. While early forecasts of economic disaster were proved wrong, the accumulated cost of cutting links with Britain’s biggest trading partner is estimated at 6-8% of GDP.
This is huge. It must rank as the greatest act of self-harm by a British government in modern times.
A year ago Keir Starmer began to ease some of the barriers, with modest deals on youth exchange and meat exports. Burnham wants to take this further, with negotiations…
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Military operations launched after an attack on Israeli troops have effectively trapped Hebron's population behind fortified access points across the southern West Bank. The resulting displacement has impacted thousands of vulnerable residents, including hundreds of infants, elderly citizens, and individuals requiring ongoing medical care. Local leadership has condemned the sweeping restrictions as unlawful collective punishment, while Israeli officials insist the blockade will persist until militant networks are…
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