PM Burnham: Current Brexit Arrangements Fail British Economy

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the current Brexit deal is not good enough for Britain. He told Good Morning Britain on Monday that the arrangement has weakened the economy and failed to control the small boats crisis as promised. Burnham said the country ended up with a harder version of Brexit than was proposed during the referendum campaign.

The Prime Minister explained that leaving the EU has reduced the UK's ability to manage immigration. He noted that the government can no longer return people to Europe in the same manner it did previously. Burnham said this inability to repatriate migrants is a primary reason the small boats crisis has grown.

Burnham confirmed he supports Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plan to make foreign workers wait 15 years for permanent residency. He described settlement as a right to be earned rather than an automatic grant. He said this approach aligns with the principle of earning status through contribution.

The Prime Minister addressed the 65 percent Leave vote in his Makerfield constituency. He said he is not rerunning a referendum but will make practical steps to improve current arrangements. Burnham stated that the British public, including those in Makerfield, will remain the decision makers on Brexit.

He ruled out rejoining the EU during the current parliament. Burnham said he is not proposing a full return to the bloc at this time. He emphasized that the government needs to take practical steps to make the existing arrangement work better for businesses and citizens.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the UK-EU summit on November 20 will produce a favorable deal for food manufacturers. He said these businesses have been hit hard by current trade barriers. Burnham also commented on the upcoming budget, saying it will provide breathing space for people and businesses.

He stated that there is no early general election coming anytime soon. Burnham told the public to put that possibility out of their mind. He said the government will focus on managing the current economic situation through practical policy changes.

The Prime Minister said he is honest in his assessment of the current terms. He believes the deal has not played out as originally suggested to the public. He stated that the government will continue to evaluate the arrangement while respecting the will of the voters.