OMM Redaksiyası
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Brexit had harmed the country more than it had benefited it. He also reaffirmed support for Ukraine and the UK’s commitments to NATO while outlining the country’s future foreign policy priorities.
Burnham made the remarks in his first speech as Labour Party leader at the party’s conference in Liverpool on Tuesday. The prime minister compared Brexit with decisions taken over decades that had damaged the economy and said options for bringing the UK’s long-term relationship with the European Union closer would be examined.
Brexit and relations with the European Union
According to Burnham, Brexit had negatively affected economic growth and failed to deliver on one of the key promises of the 2016 “Leave” campaign — greater control over migration. In his view, instead of gaining more control over immigration, the country had acquired fewer tools in this area.
The prime minister did not commit the UK to rejoining the European Union, the single market or the customs union. Instead, he said the country needed to review its future relationship with Europe and explore different options.
The approach is regarded as a significant shift in the UK’s relations with its largest trading partner. Burnham has previously said that the low economic growth recorded over the past decade was partly linked to Brexit. Pressure is also growing within the Labour Party to remove restrictions on closer integration with the European Union.
An upcoming UK-EU summit is expected to indicate how far Burnham is prepared to advance this agenda.
Support for Ukraine and NATO
On security issues, Burnham sought to reassure allies that his critical stance on the country’s domestic political course did not mean withdrawing from its international commitments.
He reaffirmed support for Ukraine as it resists Russia’s invasion, saying the UK would continue to honor its NATO commitments and strengthen national defense.
The position is consistent with the policy Burnham has pursued since becoming prime minister. His first foreign trip in August was to Ukraine. During that visit, Burnham said Britain’s support would not change and that “Ukraine’s security is our security.”
The UK is also closely involved in European initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s long-term security and preventing future Russian aggression. The issue has become more prominent in Europe amid concerns over Russia’s military and hybrid activities.
Israel and Gaza
Burnham also addressed the war in Gaza, saying he supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The prime minister presented the position as part of Britain’s international role, stressing his support for Israel’s security and condemning Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.
His remarks were seen as an attempt to define the government’s Middle East policy after months of pressure within the Labour Party over Gaza. The government has already adopted a tougher stance toward the Israeli government and taken measures against Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
At the same time, Burnham has sought to maintain support for Israel’s security and his position against threats from Iran while criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
