Brief
Nigel Farage says Andy Burnham’s EU stance opens door to Reform
Farage calls Burnham’s proposal to reconsider EU ties a political mistake and a chance for Reform UK to push its agenda.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of making a "very big political mistake" by promising to review Britain’s relationship with the European Union. Farage made the comments to reporters before delivering a speech in Doncaster on Thursday, saying Burnham’s approach contradicts devolution and opens the door to Reform’s agenda.
Farage told reporters that Burnham’s willingness to consider re‑joining the single market, customs union, or even the EU itself is "the opposite of devolution – a massive transfer of huge powers up to an authority, whereby there’s nothing Parliament could do to change any of it." He added that the public’s support for re‑joining the bloc might shift once costs and implications are clearer.
Speaking to Sky News, Farage said, "Here in Doncaster and across the north of England, I think what he’s done is open the door to Reform in the most extraordinary way." He challenged Burnham, calling him "the king of the north" and inviting a debate on EU re‑entry.
The Prime Minister, in his recent Labour Party conference speech in Liverpool, pledged to outline options for the UK’s ties to Brussels around the time of a UK‑EU summit later this year, without ruling out a full re‑join referendum. Burnham also announced changes to the state pension triple lock and a review of the voting system, though Farage said electoral reform was not a priority.
For earlier coverage of Burnham’s EU review plans, see Burnham pledges EU relationship review, hints at re‑join referendum.
Key facts
- Nigel Farage said Andy Burnham made a "very big political mistake" by promising to review EU ties. (standard.co.uk)
- Farage argued that re‑joining the EU would contradict devolution and transfer powers away from Parliament. (standard.co.uk)
- Burnham pledged to set out options for the UK’s relationship with the EU around a UK‑EU summit later this year. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Burnham ‘opening door to Reform’ by reigniting Brexit debate, Farage says”
