UK Prime Minister: Brexit has brought more disadvantages than advantages
London (ANTARA) - UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Tuesday (29/9) that he would “present to the public” various options regarding the United Kingdom’s long-term relationship with the European Union (EU), arguing that Brexit has “brought more disadvantages than advantages.”
Speaking at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool, Burnham stated that the UK cannot have the “clear direction we need for the remainder of this century” without determining its future relationship with the EU, which he described as “our largest market.”
The UK left the EU in 2020, four years after a referendum in which approximately 52 per cent of voters decided to exit.
The Prime Minister said he would take the opportunity around the time of the upcoming summit to present the available choices for the UK.
“There are various options, and I will see if we can reach a consensus on one of them, which will provide clarity on our position and the future of this continent where we live,” he said.
Burnham also announced that the next Labour Party manifesto would include a commitment to change the UK’s electoral system.
He stated that he is forming a “new national commission for electoral reform” and is inviting all political parties to participate in its work.
“In recent years, you have voted twice to support electoral reform. I hear your aspirations, and I agree with you,” said Burnham.
“We will follow the next general election with a manifesto commitment to change the electoral system so that everyone’s vote counts and everyone’s voice is heard,” he added.
‘Perhaps must bear the political consequences’
Burnham promised to lead the UK “onto a new path” and present policies related to water, housing, energy, and education.
“As we move together as one, there is nothing we cannot do. Today, we end a decade of division. We stop constantly reading negative news that disparages the UK. And we bring this country onto a new path,” he said.
He acknowledged that he “might have to bear the political consequences” of these announcements, but said that “there must be someone brave enough to go through the difficult times and take those potentially painful, decisive steps.”
‘Water is a symbol of what is wrong with the UK’
Burnham stated that Environment Minister Angela Eagle would propose an “enhanced Water Bill,” including the removal of “Margaret Thatcher’s ideological ban on public ownership of water companies.”
“Water is a symbol of what is wrong with the UK,” he said, criticising sewage dumping, high prices, and infrastructure issues.
However, he did not announce specific plans to nationalise any particular water companies.
Housing, energy, and education
Burnham stated that the government could propose legislation to make it easier to reclaim homes from negligent property owners.
He also promised to lower energy prices and requested the energy minister to accelerate efforts to decouple renewable energy prices from gas prices.
Regarding education, he promised to “rebuild the comprehensive education system in this country with equality between academic and technical pathways.”
Burnham criticised the political direction taken since the 1980s, saying: “Housing, water, energy, transport, care services, healthcare – all have been broken up and sold.”
“The British right-wing talks about taking back control. Do not let them forget, they are the ones who actually relinquished control in the first place,” he said.
Growth and fiscal rules
Burnham said his economic strategy would involve nationalisation and devolution, arguing that greater control over essential services could help create conditions for business growth.
He emphasised that the government would remain committed to its fiscal rules “to reduce the level of public debt.”
The Prime Minister stated that the party would maintain its 2024 general election manifesto commitment not to make changes during the current term, while changes could be considered if the Labour Party remains in power after the 2029 general election.