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Burnham to press MPs on closer EU ties as Commons returns

The Commons statement coincides with a Westminster Hall debate on a petition to rejoin the EU, as Conservatives vow to reverse closer ties.

Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 00:13 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham will use a Commons statement on Monday to urge MPs to face Brexit's damage and embrace closer EU ties.[The Guardian]
  • He argues that failing to pursue a better deal with the EU would be a major dereliction of duty, ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit.[The Guardian]
  • The statement coincides with a Westminster Hall debate on a petition, with over 111,000 signatures, calling for Britain to rejoin the EU, while senior Conservatives vow to reverse Labour's moves toward closer ties.[The Guardian]
  • Businesses warn that abandoning food and agricultural trade arrangements could prolong border costs and uncertainty.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • Burnham will use a Commons statement on Monday, the first day back after the conference break, to urge MPs to embrace closer EU ties.[The Guardian]
  • Burnham argues that failing to pursue a better deal with the EU would be a major dereliction of duty.[The Guardian]
  • A Westminster Hall debate on a petition calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU is due the same day; the petition has more than 111,000 signatures.[The Guardian]
  • Senior Conservatives vow to reverse Labour's moves toward closer EU ties, including a proposed agreement on food and agricultural trade.[The Guardian]
  • Businesses warn that abandoning such arrangements could prolong costs and uncertainty from border checks and paperwork.[The Guardian]
  • Burnham said on Sunday that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.[The Guardian]
  • The Commons sits on Monday for the first time since 15 September.[BBC News]
  • Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said at her party conference last week that reopening the Brexit debate was a terrible idea.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Burnham's arguments and expected positions are described as expected statements, and no outcome of the upcoming UK-EU summit is reported.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.