Burnham leaves open possibility of Labour manifesto pledge to reverse Brexit

Andy Burnham has declined to rule out Labour including a pledge to reverse Brexit in its next election manifesto. The prime minister is due to hold his first meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, according to the Guardian. He has said his immediate priority is rebuilding bridges with European allies.

Burnham indicated that the government should first concentrate on developing closer trading ties with the European Union. The supplied report does not say whether he supports rejoining the bloc, only that he did not exclude the possibility of a future manifesto commitment. His position leaves the longer-term question open while placing the emphasis for now on practical relations with European partners.

The report does not provide details of the proposals that may be discussed with von der Leyen or identify any timetable for changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU. It also does not include a response from the European Commission, other Labour figures or opponents of Brexit reversal. The meeting with von der Leyen would be Burnham’s first, according to the report.

No further information is supplied about its agenda or expected outcome.