Burnham is right to pursue a Brexit reset with the EU because the rewards outweigh the political risks
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/editorial. "The Guardian view on Burnham’s Brexit reset: an overdue show of ambition | Editorial | The Guardian." October 13, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The Guardian argues that Burnham is right to be openly honest that Brexit has hurt Britain and to start working toward closer ties with the EU. Most voters appear to want this, and the EU is integrating further in ways that could leave Britain out. It admits the path will be difficult and risky, but says the benefits to the country and to Labour are worth it.
Conclusion
Prime minister Andy Burnham is right to judge that now is the time to push for closer links with the EU, because the potential benefits to Britain and to his premiership far outweigh the political risks.
Premises
- Brexit has done more harm than good, both economically and strategically, so Burnham's diagnosis and prescription are correct.
- Polls indicate a substantial majority of the public supports closer ties with the EU, so Labour's hyper-caution is increasingly out of step with public opinion.
- The EU is moving toward deeper coordination on defence and economic policy (e.g. the 'Made in Europe' strategy), which risks excluding Britain, including its car manufacturers, if it stays on the sidelines.
- It is therefore overwhelmingly in Britain's interests to act in concert with the EU rather than in isolation.
- Starmer's restoration of basic civility has laid groundwork on which Burnham's boldness can open the way to a 'real reset'.
- A closer EU relationship would unite progressive Britain and could significantly boost Labour's vote share, giving dividends for Burnham's premiership and the country.
Assumptions
- Poll support for closer ties will translate into political support, including in leave-voting red wall seats, once specific trade-offs are on the table.
- The EU will be willing to negotiate meaningful new arrangements with the UK despite its own shifting red lines.
- The economic and strategic harms of Brexit can be substantially reversed through closer ties short of, or leading toward, rejoining.
- The 'Made in Europe' type of policy will harm UK industry unless the UK has closer alignment.
- Political risk is measured mainly in electoral terms and can be managed through Burnham's persuasive skills.
- The claim that Brexit has done more harm than good is treated as established fact rather than requiring defence.