How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts

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1. backgroundOct 12

   MPs debate 111,000-signature petition to rejoin the EU — On the same day as Burnham's statement, MPs held a Westminster Hall debate on a public petition calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU, which had gathered more than 111,000 signatures.

2. backgroundOct 12

   Burnham tells MPs rejecting closer EU ties is a 'dereliction of duty' — In a statement to the Commons on the first sitting day after recess, Burnham argued Britain must face up to the damage caused by Brexit and that a new deal with the EU could tackle illegal immigration and boost growth.

3. 1 Oct 12 2:33 AM

   Commentators note Number 10's shift in tone still needs follow-through

   Observers pointed to a change in Downing Street's messaging on the EU compared with earlier missteps, while cautioning that more substantive action would be required.

   “There are interesting signs from Number 10 that Andy Burnham understands the need for positive mood music about the EU, after initial mis-steps over Made in Europe lectures, in particular bold claims over it helping immigration. Much more would be needed.”

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     “The prime minister will use a statement to the Commons on the first day back after the party conference break to urge MPs to face up to the damage caused by Brexit, and embrace closer ties with the EU to increase economic growth and tackle illegal immigration.”

     cornishskipper.wsocial.euBluesky2d ago209▲view on Bluesky ↗

   2 more of the top 3 · 11 posts in this stretch

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     Andy Burnham expected to tell the Commons it would be a "dereliction of duty" to turn down a closer relationship with EU

     @BBCPoliticsX2d ago176▲view on X ↗
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     — ‘A No 10 source said: “Andy understands why some politicians don’t want to face up to the reality that Brexit has not delivered what they once promised. But it is time for a different conversation about what our long-term relationship should be. “Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth…

     jmeosbn@mas.toMastodon1d agoview on Mastodon ↗

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4. backgroundOct 11

   Burnham says Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum — Burnham said he sought clarification on foreign interference after entering Downing Street and received confirmation of Russian involvement in the 2016 referendum, without disclosing the evidence or suggesting it changed the result.

5. backgroundOct 5

   Badenoch calls reopening the Brexit debate 'a terrible idea' — Speaking at her party's conference, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch rejected Burnham's push for closer EU ties, warning it would mean renewed uncertainty for businesses.

6. backgroundSep 15

   Burnham pledges at Labour conference to explore closer EU ties — At Labour's conference in Liverpool, Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good and opened the door to options including fully rejoining the EU, pledging to pursue closer ties ahead of a planned UK-EU summit.

7. backgroundAug 15

   UK-EU summit postponed after Starmer's resignation — A summit between the UK and EU, originally due in the summer, was postponed after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister; it has since been rescheduled for next month.