Labour MP Chris Ward urges party to drop Brexit red lines

Labour MP Chris Ward has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to abandon the Labour Party's Brexit red lines at the next election, according to the Guardian. Ward, who represents Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven and helped write the original pledges under Keir Starmer, stated that forming closer ties with the European Union would help protect the United Kingdom from global threats. [1][2]

The Guardian reported that Ward described the red lines as ready for a dignified retirement. The MP noted that the global political landscape has shifted since 2020 and argued that closer European relations offer the best path toward security and peace. [1][2]

The call follows statements from former chancellor Rachel Reeves, who said it was right for Burnham to consider rejoining the bloc, the Guardian reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, British Chambers of Commerce head Shevaun Haviland also urged Burnham to reconsider red lines, while former Labour leader Neil Kinnock claimed Burnham intends to take Britain back into the European Union. [1][8][9]

Brexit refers to the official withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union following a public referendum. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016 with 51.8 percent of the vote. [7][8]