Burnham reopens debate on EU ties and sets out reforms

Andy Burnham used his first Labour Party conference speech as leader to set out a broad reform agenda and reopen debate on the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union, saying rejoining was among the options that should be assessed. He also proposed changes to pension uprating and a National Care Service, though key details on costs and delivery remain unspecified. In interviews on September 30, Burnham said the UK could retain its current arrangements with the EU, pursue a customs union, seek closer ties through the single market, or rejoin the bloc. He said each option required an assessment of what was feasible and of its advantages and disadvantages. Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good and that he wanted to examine ways to improve relations with Europe. A UK-EU summit is expected later in 2026, but the reports do not establish that a preferred model has been selected. Burnham also outlined a revised approach to the state pension’s triple lock. Under the current system, annual increases are based on whichever is highest: inflation, earnings growth or 2.5%. Burnham said his proposal would retain increases linked to inflation or 2.