Andy Burnham, the Labour leader and Mayor of Greater Manchester, has expressed criticism of the United Kingdom’s Brexit outcome, asserting that the public did not endorse the “hard Brexit” that was ultimately implemented. Speaking on the subject, Burnham highlighted dissatisfaction with the final withdrawal agreement reached between the UK and the European Union, while reaffirming his party’s commitment to key policy positions, including rejecting re-entry into the Single Market or Customs Union.

Although Burnham firmly upholds Labour’s red lines concerning the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU, he stopped short of completely ruling out the possibility of a future referendum on EU membership. Additionally, he left open the option of negotiating a free movement agreement with Brussels, suggesting a degree of flexibility in Labour’s approach to post-Brexit migration arrangements.

The comments from Burnham were met with immediate criticism from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of hypocrisy. Badenoch pointed to Labour’s opposition to the Conservative withdrawal deal while simultaneously benefiting from Brexit-induced regulatory changes, such as tariff reductions. She further predicted internal divisions within Labour over issues related to EU migration policy, warning of potential party conflict.

Burnham’s remarks come at a time of ongoing debate within British politics regarding the long-term consequences of Brexit, particularly around trade, migration, and the UK’s relationship with the European Union. The interplay between different parties’ positions continues to fuel discussions about the future direction of the UK’s international agreements and domestic policies in the post-Brexit era.