Burnham says Brexit deal needs fixing

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that the current Brexit deal is not good enough for Britain.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Burnham stated that the post-referendum arrangement has not unfolded as promised to voters. He described the outcome as a harder Brexit than what was proposed during the 2016 campaign.

Burnham argued that the situation has weakened the national economy. He also said it has reduced the UK's ability to control its borders. He noted that the small boats crisis has increased because the UK can no longer return people to Europe in the same way it could before leaving.

When asked if he wanted Britain to rejoin the European Union, Burnham said he would like to see it happen in his lifetime. However, he added that he would not move ahead of public opinion. He stated that the British public must remain the bosses on the issue.

The prime minister ruled out major changes to the relationship in the current parliament. He said Labour would not move away from the red lines in its manifesto. He emphasized the need for practical steps to make the current arrangement work better rather than a full reversal.

Burnham addressed concerns from Labour MPs in leave-voting areas in the north and Midlands. He acknowledged that 65% of his constituents in Makerfield voted to leave. He said he was not rerunning the referendum but wanted to improve the practical arrangements.

He backed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plan to require foreign workers to wait 15 years for permanent residency. Burnham supported the principle that settlement is a right to be earned. He said this approach aligns with the need to strengthen border control.

The prime minister said he hopes for a better deal at the UK-EU summit scheduled for November 20. He said the summit could help British food manufacturers, who have been hit hard by Brexit. He also ruled out an early general election, telling people to put that idea out of their minds.

Looking ahead to the budget on Wednesday, Burnham said it would offer breathing space for people and businesses. He claimed the measures would provide a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.