EU: London is responsible for determining the course of its future relations with the bloc

Brussels, September 30 (KUNA) -- The European Union confirmed on Wednesday that the British government is responsible for determining the course of the United Kingdom’s relations with the bloc in the coming phase, following British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s proposal for his country to rejoin the EU. Spokesperson for the European Commission, Palaz Oivari, said in a press statement that the United Kingdom is a close and valuable partner to the European Union, adding that “it is up to the British government to clarify how it wishes to develop its relationship with the EU in the future.” Oivari further stated, “We remain open to engaging in discussions on the options that London may propose.” Earlier in the day, Burnham revealed that his government intends to consider rejoining the European Union as one of the proposed solutions to repair relations between London and Brussels. Speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at the ruling Labour Party conference currently held in Liverpool, Burnham said that the current form of the Brexit withdrawal agreement has caused damage exceeding its benefits, and that he wishes to explore possible steps to mend relations. He noted that he did not want to leave the question of the UK’s relationship with the EU unresolved, adding that he wanted to be clear about the path he wants the United Kingdom to follow over the next decade. This marks the first time a British prime minister has publicly discussed the possibility of rejoining the EU, as all six former prime ministers who succeeded David Cameron after the 2016 referendum, including the most recent, Keir Starmer, have declined to discuss the option of returning to European institutions. Since leaving the EU and terminating the membership treaties between London and Brussels, a number of problems and difficulties have emerged, hindering many aspects of bilateral relations, most notably trade and the movement of people and goods across borders. (End) A.R.N. / M.A.A.