Will Jones – The Daily Sceptic Oct 12, 2026

Andy Burnham will say that failing to pursue a closer relationship with the EU would be a “dereliction of duty” in a major Commons address today, following comments in which he blamed Russia for interfering in the Brexit vote. The Telegraph has the story.

In a major Commons address on Monday, the Prime Minister is expected to tell MPs that it is time for a “different conversation” about Britain’s place in the bloc.

His remarks will come a fortnight after he used his first conference speech as Labour leader to suggest he could lead the UK back into the union.

They will also follow his claim that Russia interfered with the EU referendum in 2016 – a claim that prompted Conservative MPs to accuse him of “laying the groundwork for rejoining”.

Burnham will also use the appearance before the Commons to argue that closer ties with Brussels would help Britain to prevent illegal migration.

He will tell MPs that a better relationship would improve cooperation on stopping small boats crossing the Channel from France, and help increase economic growth.

The Prime Minister will say the public would expect him to take such a deal, and will repeat his claim that Brexit had done more harm than good.

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 would be a major dereliction of duty.”

The remarks will further heighten expectations that Burnham is preparing to put a pledge to return to the EU in his party’s next manifesto. …

Burnham will deliver his remarks to Parliament after causing controversy with his claim that Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum.

He told the Rest is Politics podcast: “I asked the question coming to Downing Street, well was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? I’ve had the clear answer that, yes, there was.

“These things are important now to put clearly on the record and I believe help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely, Russia.

“I think we’ve been too much on the back foot on that, actually, and we haven’t informed people sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas.”

Previous UK governments have acknowledged that Russia tried to interfere in the referendum, but said there was no evidence it had been successful.

Burnham’s comments were taken by some as an attempt to call the result into question by suggesting it had been influenced by Vladimir Putin.

However, on Monday morning, Stephen Doughty, a Foreign Office minister, said it was still the Government’s view that Moscow’s efforts had failed. …

Nigel Farage accused Mr Burnham of “lying” about his claim that Russia influenced the Brexit referendum.

Asked whether Mr Burnham’s claim “tainted the result” during a press conference on Monday, the Reform UK leader replied: “The Prime Minister is a liar.”

He added: “There was no Russian interference, and the Russia hoax has run all the way through this. And I particularly have to mention, you know, my friend and supporter Aaron Banks, who was severely libelled over this, but in the end, I’m pleased to say, won in the High Court.

“This is Burnham. This is an out of touch, out of date, Andy Burnham, with all sorts of bizarre ideas.”

Worth reading in full.

Source