Burnham's EU ambitions face cabinet skepticism as devolution talks progress
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Chancellor John Healey express reservations about closer EU ties while the Prime Minister pushes devolution agreements with Scotland and Wales.
At a glance
- Reynolds and Healey publicly express doubts about rejoining the EU or single market, citing EU political uncertainty and referendum mandate.
- Burnham and Swinney agree to joint policy work on regional growth but differ on whether devolution means powers to Scotland or within Scotland.
- London rough sleeping rose 18% quarter-on-quarter to 4,678 people, challenging Burnham's pledge to end the crisis.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's push for a closer relationship with the European Union has encountered public skepticism from two senior cabinet ministers. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told The Sun he "genuinely can't answer" whether he shares Burnham's aspiration for the UK to rejoin the EU, citing uncertainty about the bloc's future direction amid the rise of far-right populist parties in member states. Reynolds said the government needs to understand the EU's approach to technology regulation, artificial intelligence, and economic dynamism before committing to deeper integration.
Chancellor John Healey struck a similarly cautious tone in interviews yesterday. He did not accept that joining the single market would automatically boost growth, emphasised the importance of respecting the Brexit referendum result, and said he did not expect the UK to rejoin the EU in his lifetime. Their comments contrast with Burnham's plan to attend an EU summit next month focused on food standards, energy, and youth mobility — initiatives that reportedly enjoy strong cabinet support. Burnham also wants a public debate on moving toward a closer EU relationship after the next election, when Labour could drop its 2024 manifesto pledges against joining the single market or customs union. In an effort to contain public disagreement, Burnham this week instructed ministers to stay "disciplined" and not "advocate for specific options" as the debate unfolds.
Devolution summit yields agreement on process, not substance
Burnham met Scottish First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow today for a session of the National Economic Council. Both leaders described the meeting as "extremely positive" and agreed to a policy sprint led by No 10 North to advance "regional empowerment, reindustrialisation and achieving good growth in every postcode." However, a readout from both governments revealed a persistent divide: Swinney seeks devolution of powers from Westminster to Scotland, while Burnham's statement emphasised devolution within Scotland. The two agreed to differ on independence, with Burnham reiterating that a second referendum is off the table.
Burnham also said he does not want Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland left behind as England advances fiscal devolution for mayors. He pledged the UK government would consider further devolution of employment support to Scotland and Wales, particularly for young people. The absence of Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers was noted as disappointing.
Rough sleeping rises in London
Separate data published today showed 4,678 people slept rough in London between July and September, an 18% increase on the previous quarter. The number of people classified as living on the streets rose 20% quarter-on-quarter to 819. Homeless Link chief executive Rick Henderson called the figures a "stark reminder" of the challenge facing Burnham's pledge to end rough sleeping.
Defence procurement rule changed
The Ministry of Defence announced a new offset policy requiring foreign firms that win major defence contracts to spend an equivalent amount in the UK.
Source: The Guardian.
Questions and answers
- What did Jonathan Reynolds say about the UK rejoining the EU?
- Reynolds said he 'genuinely can't answer' because he does not know the EU's future direction, citing far-right populist parties and questions about tech regulation and economic dynamism.
- What was agreed at the Burnham-Swinney meeting in Glasgow?
- Both leaders called the National Economic Council meeting 'extremely positive' and launched a policy sprint on regional empowerment and growth, but they differ on the form of devolution and agreed to disagree on Scottish independence.
- How have rough sleeping numbers changed in London?
- Rough sleeping rose 18% on the previous quarter to 4,678 people in July-September, while those living on the streets increased 20% to 819.
