Prime Minister Andy Burnham is signaling a shift within the Labour Party toward re-entering the European Union, as he prepares to address the party conference for the first time since taking office. Senior government officials indicate that the conversation has moved from whether the UK should seek to rejoin the EU to how best to pursue such a goal.

Burnham has previously criticized the "drift and division" in the decade following Brexit and is expected to outline a clear strategy for the country's future during his speech. His stance is viewed as a deliberate effort to distinguish Labour's platform from that of the centre-right parties, particularly on issues related to Europe.

There is growing optimism among Labour ministers that a proposal to rejoin the EU could be presented to voters in the next general election, following a broad consensus within the party leadership that Brexit has not delivered its promised benefits. When questioned recently about the prospect of including a rejoin pledge in Labour’s election manifesto, Burnham did not rule out the possibility, echoing comments he made last year as Manchester mayor that the UK should seek to return to the EU.

One senior minister described a marked change in party sentiment around the issue, citing economic data supporting the move and a more open attitude toward acknowledging Brexit’s shortcomings. Another minister emphasized political risks, particularly concerns about opposition from figures like Nigel Farage and the revived Reform UK party. However, they stressed that the priority remains economic growth and that rejoining the EU would be essential for that objective.

Internal debate continues on whether a commitment to rejoin should be stated explicitly in the manifesto or framed as initiating a national discussion. Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair recently proposed a timeline for rejoining a "reformed EU" within ten years, an idea that ministers described as pragmatic and reflective of necessary adjustments.

Concerns remain regarding potential regulatory hurdles and trade relationships. Officials highlight issues with EU rules on digital technology and artificial intelligence, sectors where the UK holds a competitive edge. Adjustments to these regulations would be needed to facilitate reentry. Additionally, existing trade deals with countries such as India and Canada could complicate the transition, though officials believe the benefits of full EU market access would outweigh these challenges.

Some voices within Labour are pressing for a more immediate approach. Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, has argued that preparations to rejoin the EU should begin within six months to avoid being sidelined by EU initiatives like the “Made in Europe” regulatory framework, which could exclude the UK from key trade and defense arrangements.

Cabinet members express concern about the UK becoming isolated between shifting global trade blocs and emphasize a readiness for a more assertive Brexit policy, contingent upon developments in European regulations. However, a consensus appears to be emerging that longstanding Labour restrictions—such as refusing to rejoin the customs union, the single market, or fully embrace free movement—may need to be reconsidered to facilitate reentry.

As the Labour Party recalibrates its position on Europe, Burnham’s conference address is expected to mark a pivotal moment in the UK’s ongoing debate over its post-Brexit relationship with the EU.