Labour MP Joe Powell has backed a much closer partnership with the European Union, supporting Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call to reconsider Britain’s long-term relationship with its European neighbours.
Powell, who represents Kensington and Bayswater, linked his argument to the country’s future success following Burnham’s assessment of Brexit at Labour Party Conference.
Powell: ‘a much closer partnership with the EU’
Powell said: “As the Prime Minister said earlier this week, Brexit has caused more harm than good and it’s vital for the future success of our country that we find a way forward to a much closer partnership with the EU.”
His post shared a statement from London mayor Sadiq Khan calling on Labour to make the case for rejoining the EU. Khan wrote: “Andy Burnham is right that ‘hope comes from honesty’.”
He added: “That’s why Labour must make the case for rejoining the EU”.
The two statements set out distinct positions: Powell advocates a much closer partnership, while Khan calls for Labour to argue for membership. Powell’s post does not itself explicitly endorse rejoining.
Burnham: ‘Brexit has done more harm than good’
Their interventions follow Burnham’s conference speech on 29 September, in which the Prime Minister connected Britain’s future relationship with Europe to the need for stronger growth and greater prosperity.
“Brexit has done more harm than good,” Burnham told delegates. “We need to restore a higher level of growth and prosperity for Britain.”
Burnham said he would use the opportunity around the forthcoming UK–EU summit to set out different options for Britain’s long-term relationship with its European partners and seek consensus on a way forward. He also pledged to pursue gains for industries harmed by Brexit.
That announcement opens a discussion about Britain’s future European relationship; it does not establish a government commitment to rejoin the EU.
Powell’s intervention supports the case for closer cooperation, while Khan’s goes further on membership. The next step outlined by the Prime Minister is to present the options and seek agreement on a lasting relationship that supports Britain’s prosperity.
