“Only a return to full membership to the EU will deliver the benefits we need.”
The CLP and socialist society motions & reference backs to Labour Conference on relations with the EU were suppressed, probably to keep the powder dry for Burnham’s speech.
In the speech, Burnham said,
We will not give Britain the clear path we need into the rest of the century until we decide on a long-term relationship with what is still our largest market. I cannot say to you truthfully that where we are is good enough.
Brexit has done more harm than good.
We need to restore a higher level of growth and prosperity for Britain.
So, I will take the opportunity around the summit to lay out to you, to lay out to the country, what I believe the different options are for Britain’s long-term relationship with our European partners
And there are different options. …
And I will see if we can find consensus around one which will give us clarity about our position, and the future of the continent we live in.
This movement of position from the previous administration’s “Not in my lifetime”, was interestingly previewed by the Fabian’s pamphlet, “Pressing Reset” and the Labour Movement for Europe’s web post calling on the Labour Government to “Drop the Redlines”.
Burnham was interviewed shortly after the speech and clarified that he saw three options, sustaining the status quo, joining the customs union and/or single market or “going all the way” and rejoining the European Union. He called for a debate and the development of a consensus.
After the conference speech the three leading pro EU pressure groups have restated their positions to mostly align with the speech’s call. The European Movement have mostly what they want, as they believe that Labour will put a promise to rejoin in the next manifesto, Best for Britain also call for full membership, but the most dramatic action has been by the IPPR who have published a manifesto/report calling for Labour to open negotiations after obtaining a general election mandate.
There remains opposition within the Party; many seem to think that such negotiations will take some time as they seek to meet the imaginary “legitimate concerns” of their working class vote and put the road blocks of Schengen & the Euro in the way of action.
We should welcome Burnham opening the debate in the Labour Party and we urge members who support rejoining to submit their views to Burnham (though it is not unreasonable to suspect that the government has made its mind up and is now looking at maximising agreement at the next EU/UK summit planned for the 22nd of November.
Another Europe have posted a write to your MP form – find it at www.anothereurope.org/tell-your-mp-full-membership-now/
The letter says:
Last month the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham identified the UK’s relationship to the EU as an issue of vital importance if we are to fix our economy and focus on a progressive path to security and wellbeing for all.
I am writing to you because I strongly believe that only a return to full membership to the EU will deliver the benefits we need.
At this time of growing division and rising threats from authoritarian leaders and plutocrats, the UK must take decisive steps to rejoin the European Union as a full member.
There is no time to waste.
Full membership will grant us democratic and political rights. It will enable us to collaborate with our closest neighbours from a position of trust and shared values.
To tackle the issues of today and build the better society of tomorrow, in “every postcode in the UK” and beyond. It will help strengthen the voices for cooperation, equality and justice.
Full membership is the best way forward. We need a timely route towards it that can bring the country together. Please would you do everything in your power to press the government in this direction.
And see the template option at https://labourleftint.uk/2026/10/28/template-motion-on-eu-free-movement/
https://www.ippr.org/articles/new-world-new-relationship
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/euromove/pages/14082/attachments/original/1791468737/Targeting_2036__How_The_UK_Can_Join_the_EU.pdf?1791468737 by the European Movement
https://bestforbritain.org/eu-membership-only-way-repair-harm-brexit/
