Andrew Burnham and the Toxic Brexit Legacy: Can the New Prime Minister Find a Path Back to the EU?

Andrew Burnham, who consistently opposed the UK's departure from the European Union, now leads the nation as its new prime minister. His ascent to power marks a potential turning point, raising the question of whether he will steer the country back towards the EU, a move he once warned would be more damaging than terrorism.

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Brexit was worse than terrorism.

Burnham's past warnings in 2016 highlighted the risks of Brexit, predicting it would weaken Britain on the global stage, increase its vulnerability to international aggression, and deepen internal divisions. A decade later, as prime minister, he must confront the reality that the EU exit has indeed inflicted significant damage, division, and weakness upon the UK, arguably more profoundly than any terrorist act could have.

Despite his history as a "Remainer," Burnham's immediate focus is likely to be on pressing domestic concerns, particularly the cost of living crisis impacting many Britons. Anand Menon, director of the think tank UK in a Changing Europe, suggests that prioritizing these internal issues is Burnham's best strategy to maintain his current popularity. The former mayor of Greater Manchester is currently enjoying the goodwill typically extended to a new leader, but this is not guaranteed to last.

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With no bomb could terrorists have done so much to damage, divide and weaken Britain as leaving the European Union has done.

The article underscores the political instability that has plagued Downing Street since the Brexit referendum. The UK has seen seven prime ministers in ten years, with none completing a full parliamentary term. David Cameron resigned after losing the referendum, Theresa May struggled to negotiate a workable Brexit deal, Boris Johnson finalized a detrimental withdrawal agreement, Liz Truss's tenure was exceptionally brief, and Rishi Sunak attempted damage control. Burnham now inherits this volatile political landscape, facing the immense task of stabilizing the nation.

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The focus on domestic political problems is his best chance to maintain his current popularity.