Sadiq Khan urges Andy Burnham to begin EU rejoining preparations

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to begin the process of rejoining the European Union immediately. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Khan argued that the government must perform the “heavy lifting” and “pitch-rolling” now to prepare the public for potential reintegration before a general election.

Khan emphasized that the benefits of returning to the EU and the disadvantages of remaining outside the bloc must be explained to the country well in advance, rather than being introduced suddenly in a manifesto.

This push follows comments from former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who suggested the UK should establish plans to rejoin the union within the next ten years, provided Brussels agrees to significant reforms. Blair advocated for a “modern relationship” that rejects Brexit-related restrictions on the customs union, the single market, and freedom of movement. The debate highlights growing internal tensions within the Labour Party regarding its post-Brexit direction.