Britain's relationship with Europe is becoming a major political question again, but the debate may need a new approach beyond the old Brexit arguments.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described Brexit as one of Britain's “wrong turns” and his government is seeking closer links with the European Union. The shift is reopening questions about trade, economic cooperation and Britain's long-term position in Europe.

For supporters of closer European ties, the priority is now practical: reducing trade barriers, improving cooperation and rebuilding relationships rather than simply revisiting the 2016 referendum.

Opponents, however, argue that Britain should protect the independence gained from Brexit and avoid returning to arrangements that could limit the country's freedom to set its own policies.

The emerging debate could therefore become less about “Brexit versus Remain” and more about what Britain's relationship with Europe should look like in the years ahead.