David Cameron warns Burnham not to rejoin EU before European talks

David Cameron has warned Andy Burnham not to reopen the question of EU membership, GB News reported. According to the channel, the former prime minister, who resigned after losing the 2016 referendum, said trying to reverse Brexit would spark a very long and painful debate. He said Britain should focus instead on building a stronger partnership with Brussels.

GB News reported that the intervention came as Burnham prepared for talks with European leaders this week. It said Burnham has not recommitted to rejoining the EU, but has left the door open to a different long-term relationship and said voters would have the final say. In a clip broadcast by GB News, Cameron said he had fought to stay in the EU on an amended basis and was disappointed by the result, but that as a democrat he accepted the vote to leave. He said the UK should become not just neighbours, partners and friends of the EU but 'the best friends, the best neighbours, the best partners'.

GB News's late programme reported that the Daily Mail would lead on Cameron telling Burnham not to rejoin the EU. The presenter described Burnham's planned approach as a 'sovereignty surrender' and said there was no negotiation or quid pro quo. He argued that Burnham would renegotiate Brexit by surrendering to the EU and then put the deal to Parliament, where he has a large majority. The programme also discussed EU car tariffs and food standards, and cited Marks and Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin's call for less paperwork on food sales. It said about 40% of UK trade is with the EU.

In its earlier evening programme, GB News also criticised Burnham's leadership and grasp of policy detail. The host described him as a 'hollow vessel' and questioned whether he had clear principles. The broadcaster said Burnham had left the door open to a different relationship with the EU while insisting voters would have the final say.