Should Andy Burnham Heed Tony Blair's Advice on Rejoining the EU?
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/tom-baldwin. "Tony Blair would like Andy Burnham to take his advice on rejoining the EU. Should he? | Tom Baldwin | The Guardian." September 27, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The article argues that even though Tony Blair is a controversial figure many Labour leaders want to avoid, his advice to move toward rejoining the EU is actually sound given Britain's declining relationship with Europe and growing global crises. The author suggests Burnham should overcome his reluctance to be associated with Blair and consider a more pro-EU stance, especially since Burnham's current domestic-only focus seems insufficient to address the scale of challenges Britain faces.
Conclusion
Andy Burnham should take Tony Blair's advice and pursue a course toward rejoining the EU, despite the political awkwardness of associating with Blair.
Premises
- Blair has a unique ability to focus attention on serious long-term global crises rather than short-term media narratives.
- Burnham's current domestic-focused agenda (mayoral powers, utility regulation) is unlikely to deliver the promised 'good growth in every postcode' given the scale of global challenges.
- The UK's relationship with the EU has been deteriorating, evidenced by delayed summits, stalled youth mobility schemes, and the EU's von der Leyen snubbing the UK in favor of Canada.
- Polling shows a majority of the public and an even larger majority of Labour voters support rejoining the EU.
- Blair's policy institute argues that building defence capability and AI capacity with the EU is more urgent now than in the past.
- Burnham has already shown signs of expanding his focus beyond purely domestic issues (his UN speech addressing Ukraine, AI, China, etc.), suggesting he is open to a more internationalist approach.
- Despite Blair's controversial reputation, on the specific issue of Europe he offers sound counsel that shouldn't be dismissed merely due to his toxic political baggage.
Assumptions
- Rejoining or moving closer to the EU would meaningfully address the 'compound crisis' facing Britain (economic, security, technological).
- Public opinion polls on EU rejoining reflect a stable and actionable political mandate rather than a passive preference.
- Blair's judgment on foreign policy/Europe is more reliable than his judgment on domestic issues (e.g., neoliberalism, AI/Trump essay), which the author treats more skeptically.
- Burnham has the political capacity and party support to shift Labour's official policy toward EU re-entry despite prior 'red line' pledges.
- Being associated with Blair's ideas doesn't have to mean being associated with Blair's political brand or unpopularity.
- The EU would be receptive to closer UK relations if the UK signaled genuine intent to rejoin.