Prime Minister Andy Burnham argues current Brexit deal is insufficient

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Good Morning Britain on Monday that the current agreement with the European Union is not adequate for Britain. He argued that the post-Brexit arrangement has failed to deliver the outcomes promised to voters and has left the nation with a more difficult relationship than initially proposed.

Burnham stated that the process has weakened the British economy. He noted that the change has also reduced the government's ability to manage immigration. The Prime Minister explained that the small boats crisis has worsened because the UK can no longer return individuals to Europe as easily as it did previously.

When asked if he intended to lead Britain back into the EU, Burnham said he would like to see that happen in his lifetime. However, he emphasized that he would not push the idea before the public is ready. He stated that the British public must remain the decision-makers on the issue.

The Prime Minister clarified that he is not proposing a full rejoin during the current parliament. He described that move as distant. Instead, he said the government needs to take practical steps to improve the existing arrangement. He added that he would not move away from the red lines set in Labour's manifesto.

Burnham addressed concerns from Labour members of parliament representing constituencies in northern England and the Midlands that voted to leave. He noted that 65% of constituents in his Makerfield constituency voted for Brexit. He said he would not rerun the referendum. He stated that residents of Makerfield would decide the future direction, but he would work to make the current setup function better.

The Prime Minister supported the Home Secretary's plan to require foreign workers to wait 15 years for permanent residency. He backed the principle that settlement should be earned rather than granted automatically. He identified Shabana Mahmood as the official pursuing these immigration changes.

Burnham said he hoped the UK-EU summit scheduled for 20 November would produce a deal that benefits British food manufacturers. He noted that the sector has been hit hard by Brexit. The summit provides an opportunity to address these trade frictions directly.

He ruled out calling an early general election, despite polling data suggesting Labour benefits from a recent rise in approval ratings. He told the public to put that possibility out of their mind. He described the upcoming Wednesday budget as providing breathing space for people and businesses.

Burnham characterized the budget as offering a little light at the end of the tunnel. He presented it as a measure to help the economy recover while the government works on practical improvements to the EU relationship.