Brexit's Heavy Toll: Burnham Admits UK Lost Control, Eyes EU Return

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has delivered a landmark admission that Brexit has done more harm than good, opening the door to a potential rejoining of the European Union. In a speech to the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Burnham promised to examine all options for a closer relationship with the bloc, acknowledging that leaving the EU weakened Britain's economy and its grip on immigration.

This shift in tone marks a significant moment in British politics. For years, the Brexit debate has been a toxic battleground. Now, the man leading the UK government is publicly questioning the very foundation of that decision, suggesting the nation needs a honest conversation about its future direction.

What did Andy Burnham say about Brexit's impact?

Burnham was direct in his assessment. He stated that the UK has lost control it once had over its economy, citing a decade of low growth that has left the nation in a weaker position. He also pointed to immigration, arguing that collaboration with European partners was lost, weakening the system.

He framed the debate around fairness, acknowledging public anger over the situation in the Channel while expressing gratitude to those contributing to the country. His core message was clear: the status quo is not good enough.

“Brexit hasn't given us control. We've lost some of the control we had over our economy, as a decade of low growth has put us in a weaker position. And we've lost some of our control over immigration.”

This is a far cry from the promises of sovereignty and control that defined the Leave campaign a decade ago. The prime minister's words reflect a growing reality that the island nation's economic challenges are intertwined with its separation from its largest trading partner.

Is the UK planning to rejoin the EU?

Not immediately, but the door is being opened. Burnham has promised to use the upcoming UK-EU summit to set out different options for the long-term relationship. He is seeking a political consensus on a way forward, a move that acknowledges the deep divisions that still exist.

Labour MP Stella Creasy is pushing for more urgency. She argues that removing the party's