Burnham to urge MPs to back closer EU ties, calling inaction a dereliction of duty

Burnham will repeat his Labour conference message that Brexit has caused more harm than good and will call for a review of the UK‑EU relationship ahead of a year‑end summit.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:41:21 GMT

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to address the Commons on Monday, warning that it would be a “dereliction of duty” not to pursue a new deal with the European Union. The speech follows his Labour Party conference remarks that Brexit has done “more harm than good”.

What happened

In the upcoming Commons speech, Burnham will call on all parties to support the government’s approach to a closer relationship with the EU, arguing that such ties could help control immigration and boost economic growth. He will repeat the message delivered at the Labour conference in Liverpool last month, where he said he would outline the “options” for Britain’s long‑term relationship with Europe around the time of a UK‑EU summit planned for the end of the year.

What the reports add

Both Standard articles report the same core content: Burnham’s warning about dereliction of duty, his claim that Brexit has caused more harm than good, and the expectation that he will urge cross‑party support for a new EU deal. The Independent adds that MPs will also debate a petition to apply for re‑joining the EU later in the afternoon, and notes that the speech comes as the parliament returns after the summer recess.

What was said

A No 10 source quoted in all three outlets said: “Andy understands why some politicians don’t want to face up to the reality that Brexit has not delivered what they once promised. But it is time for a different conversation about what our long‑term relationship should be. Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.”

How it came about

Burnham’s EU‑relationship agenda was first outlined in his Labour conference speech in September, where he pledged a review of the UK’s ties with Europe and hinted at a possible re‑join referendum. Felo previously covered that pledge in Burnham pledges EU relationship review, hints at re‑join referendum. The current Commons address builds on that promise, positioning the upcoming UK‑EU summit as a key moment for deciding the next steps.

Key facts

Andy Burnham will tell MPs that not seeking a new EU deal would be a dereliction of duty. (standard.co.uk)
Burnham repeats his claim that Brexit has done "more harm than good". (independent.co.uk)
He will call for cross‑party support for a closer EU relationship to help control immigration and boost growth. (standard.co.uk)
The speech follows his Labour conference remarks in Liverpool where he said he would outline options for the UK‑EU relationship ahead of a year‑end summit. (standard.co.uk)