Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has publicly stated his opposition to rejoining the European Union, advocating instead for a concentrated effort on resolving domestic issues and revitalizing the United Kingdom. In his first major speech since announcing his candidacy for the Makerfield byelection, Burnham emphasized the importance of addressing regional disparities and fostering economic growth within Britain's current framework.

Burnham's comments come in response to recent suggestions from Wes Streeting, who has voiced support for the UK potentially rejoining the EU. Burnham, however, argued that continuous debates over EU membership would only serve to distract from the pressing need to address internal challenges and strengthen the nation from within.

“My view is that Brexit has been damaging, but I also believe the last thing we should do right now is rerun those arguments,” Burnham stated, highlighting the need to move forward and focus on the opportunities that Brexit presents.

During his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, Burnham intends to focus on the specific needs of the constituency and the broader North West region. He aims to demonstrate how targeted policies and local initiatives can drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents. He anticipates a competitive race against Reform, focusing on practical solutions for the area.

Burnham acknowledged the disruption that the byelection will inevitably cause for the people of Makerfield, stating: “I want to say sorry to the residents of the Makerfield constituency, for the circus that is about to arrive in town and some of the inconvenience they will experience as a result.”

However, he also emphasized the potential benefits of the increased attention on the region, adding, “But on the other hand, I want to say this to them as well: I hope you feel it’s a good thing as well, that the places that make up this constituency, long forgotten by national politics, finally are at the centre of the national debate. And for the places of this constituency again, you could read many of the similar places in yours.”

Burnham has pledged to champion the interests of Makerfield, outlining ambitious plans to enhance the lives of its residents over the coming decade. His strategy will center on the argument that areas like Makerfield have been underserved for decades, a situation he attributes to a combination of factors, including deindustrialization and government policies.