A group of prominent business leaders and Eurosceptic figures has cautioned Andy Burnham against supporting a reset of Britain’s relationship with the European Union as proposed by Labour leader contender Sir Keir Starmer. In a letter sent to Burnham, the signees expressed concern that the move could undermine the sovereignty gained through Brexit and act as a drag on the country’s economic growth.

Among those signatories were notable entrepreneurs such as Sir Tim Martin, founder of the Wetherspoons pub chain, and Sir Rocco Forte, a hotelier, who warned that Starmer’s plan to realign the UK’s regulatory framework with EU rules risks diminishing the competitive advantages secured post-Brexit. The letter emphasized that cooperation with the EU should not come at the expense of the United Kingdom’s independence.

The group, representing 39 leading Eurosceptic voices, urged Burnham to reject proposals that might involve concessions reducing Britain’s autonomy. They argued that maintaining regulatory sovereignty is essential for economic dynamism and that any reset in EU relations must preserve the freedoms established by departing the bloc.

This intervention adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate within Labour and the broader political landscape over the path the UK should take following Brexit. While Starmer has indicated willingness to reconsider aspects of the UK-EU relationship to facilitate trade and cooperation, his critics within and outside the party caution that too close an alignment risks eroding the foundational objectives of the Brexit referendum.

The letter’s signatories advocate for a clear stance that prioritizes sovereignty and economic independence over alignment, warning that compromising these principles may hamper Britain’s growth prospects in a post-Brexit economy. As the UK continues to navigate its relationship with the EU, the balance between cooperation and maintaining regulatory autonomy remains a contentious issue among business leaders and policymakers alike.