Burnham: Britain's rapprochement with Europe is necessary to confront Russian interference

Listen to the article. The audio text is automated, generated by an automated system

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that Russia's attempts to interfere in the European political scene demonstrate the reason for the necessity of Britain establishing a stronger relationship with the European Union, stressing that "the status quo is no longer acceptable."

Burnham said that what he called "Russia's attempts to interfere in democratic voting" across Europe, including Britain's European Union membership referendum in 2016, highlight the importance of strengthening the United Kingdom's ties with its neighbors, after years of weakening them as a result of Britain's exit from the European Union (Brexit).

He told lawmakers in the House of Commons that it would be a "breach of duty" not to seek stronger ties with the 27-nation European Union, which the UK left in 2020.

These statements come after Burnham said at the annual Labor Party conference last month that “Brexit has caused far more harm than good,” and that the weak trade agreement linking Britain with the European Union is hindering the country’s progress.

He added that he would seek to achieve political consensus on a new relationship, with future options including the possibility of rejoining the bloc.