The Guardian reports that Burnham would personally prefer the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union after the next election. The newspaper therefore presents the position as a personal preference, not as an announcement of a decision already adopted by British institutions.
The same outlet cites a Messina Group mega-poll according to which almost half of voters would support rejoining the EU. However, the available materials do not indicate the methodology, sample size or exact percentage of support.
According to The Guardian, the scenario assessed by the poll would involve renegotiating relations with the EU and holding a new referendum, with Burnham campaigning in favor of rejoining. In this simulation, Labour’s vote share could increase by up to seven percentage points.
The seven-point figure does not describe an observed election result: it is a projection based on the poll reported by The Guardian. The timing and conditions of any potential referendum or any possible process of rejoining the Union are also not specified.
The Guardian also reports that some government ministers are said to be concerned about the political risks of reopening divisions over Brexit and would urge Burnham to exercise caution. The issue thus combines a possible electoral advantage with fears of reigniting a political conflict that has already been divisive.
Euronews reports that the proposal has attracted attention in Brussels and warns that an attempt to substantially modify or reverse Brexit could entail conditions and difficult compromises. These are assessments attributed to the outlet, not official terms of a negotiation.
The sources therefore agree on the return of the prospect of a closer relationship — potentially extending to membership — between the United Kingdom and the EU in the political debate. They do not, however, confirm a formal line from the British government or Labour calling for rejoining: the idea remains a political prospect under discussion, with its timing and conditions undefined.