Andy Burnham says 'win-win' deal can be agreed between UK and EU
Andy Burnham argues a mutually beneficial UK-EU deal is feasible ahead of a November summit, suggesting it could resemble the Brexit voters anticipated in 2016. The push aims to secure closer ties on areas like food, energy, and youth mobility while potentially lowering prices and boosting growth, though he cautions negotiations may run down to the wire. Labour maintains no return to single market or freedom of movement, yet seeks to make Brexit work and reset the relationship with the EU. The backdrop includes a draft accord on post-Brexit checks for food and agriculture and ongoing calls from various parties about the best long-term path with Brussels. The outcome remains uncertain as both sides weigh concessions and political pressures at home.
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Burnham, speaking after meetings with European leaders in Ireland, said a 'win-win' deal could be agreed with the EU and might resemble the Brexit outcome voters expected in 2016. He predicted negotiations could go to the wire as ministers work on new agreements on food, energy, and a youth mobility scheme for a November summit.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged no return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, a stance Burnham has upheld while signaling openness to a closer EU relationship through practical arrangements rather than full alignment.
Ahead of the summit, a draft deal removing post-Brexit checks on food and agriculture exports circulated, with similar texts for emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme also being considered, aiming to unlock broader benefits.
The government claims the package could deliver around £5.1 billion in annual benefits to the economy, reflecting expected gains from lower costs and increased growth, though these figures are contested by critics.
Burnham framed the negotiations as a pathway to lower prices for consumers and greater economic growth, while noting that EU requests, such as discounted tuition for European students, are part of the bargaining landscape.
Inside UK politics, Conservative and Liberal Democrat voices criticized any alignment with EU rules, arguing it could hinder economic interests, while some Green and Reform UK positions call for diverging from EU standards or rejoining the bloc altogether.
Starmer’s May 2025 deal on fishing and trade set a framework for further changes at the summit, though Burnham emphasized examining long-term options rather than committing to major shifts before the next general election.