Senior Downing Street officials are currently engaging with thinktanks and pollsters to gauge public support for the UK rejoining the European Union. Aides to Prime Minister Andy Burnham have been in discussions with EU experts across various organisations to understand public perception of a pledge to rejoin.
Prime Minister Burnham announced a review of options for Britain's relationship with Europe during his first conference speech as Labour leader. On Wednesday, he clarified that these options should include rejoining the EU entirely, a position previously ruled out by his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Burnham's comments on Wednesday, stating in Madrid, "If the British want to come back and if the prime minister is moving in that direction, I think that is very good news, both for his country and for the Europeans." An EU spokesperson noted that it is for the UK government to determine its future relationship with the EU.
Some in Downing Street are reportedly encouraged by polling suggesting that a promise to re-enter the bloc does not significantly boost support for Reform UK. There is also discussion of holding a UK-EU summit on 20 November.