British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled a decisive shift in the UK's approach to Europe, telling parliament that the existing terms of cooperation with Brussels are no longer acceptable. Speaking ahead of the UK-EU summit scheduled for 20 November, Burnham argued that maintaining the current arrangements would fail to deliver the economic and security benefits the country needs.
“Sticking with the current status quo is not good enough for Britain,” Burnham told MPs. He insisted that a serious conversation about the future relationship is essential “if we are serious about promoting growth, controlling immigration, upholding our values and security.” The prime minister went further, warning that failing to explore closer ties with the European Union would constitute “a major dereliction of duty.”
Burnham’s immediate focus is on securing a “successful outcome at the summit,” which he described as his top priority. He also sought to reassure the public that they would “be the boss” at every stage of the process, a nod to the sensitivities surrounding Brexit and its aftermath.
A clear strategy for the long term
Since taking office in July, Burnham has repeatedly indicated his desire to move the UK closer to its European neighbours. At the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool last month, he declared that Brexit had “done more harm than good” and called for a clear long-term strategy. “We will not give Britain the clear path we need into the rest of this century until we decide on a long-term relationship with what is still our largest market,” he said at the time.
On Monday, Burnham outlined the agenda for the upcoming summit, which will focus on boosting growth and controlling illegal immigration. Other items on the table include a food and drink trade deal, linking energy systems, an emissions trading agreement, and a youth experience scheme. “We should not turn our backs on this opportunity,” he added.
The prime minister’s overtures have drawn sharp criticism from the right. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of seeking to reopen the divisive Brexit debate, claiming Burnham was “unpicking” the withdrawal agreement and would not secure a better deal. The political friction underscores the continued sensitivity of the UK’s relationship with the EU, a topic that remains a fault line in British politics.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen struck a more conciliatory tone, saying she was “really looking forward” to the summit and that the “EU and the UK have so much to achieve together.” In a social media post on Monday, she urged both sides to “be ambitious and deliver for citizens on both sides of the Channel.”
Security concerns at RAF Fairford
Beyond the EU summit, Burnham addressed a security incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which he said was “almost certainly directed” by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The airbase, home to the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and a key forward operating location for US bombers, was the target of an alleged plot in September.
Five men were arrested near the base on 27 September on suspicion of explosives offences, later re-arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, and subsequently released on police bail. A 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was later arrested in London, followed by a 22-year-old British man on 6 October, both on similar charges. All seven remain on bail as investigations continue.
Burnham warned that Britain “will not tolerate these threats.” The IRGC had previously stated that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory would be considered a legitimate target, a warning that now appears to have been acted upon. The incident highlights the broader security challenges facing the UK and its allies, as tensions with Iran persist.
As the UK navigates its post-Brexit path, the upcoming summit with Brussels will be a critical test of Burnham’s ambition to redefine the relationship. With domestic opposition and international complexities, the prime minister faces a delicate balancing act between delivering tangible benefits and managing political expectations.
