Politics · United Kingdom · 7 hrs ago
Burnham calls for dialogue on the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU
Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the UK should have a serious discussion about its long-term relationship with the European Union.
He says the current relationship is not good enough and that closer ties could support economic growth and cooperation on immigration.
Burnham says this would not mean ignoring the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The two sides are due to meet in Brussels on 20 November and are seeking agreements on food and drink, youth mobility and emissions trading.
Burnham says those agreements could boost the UK economy by £10bn a year.
He also plans to raise concerns that proposed “Made in Europe” trade rules could disadvantage UK manufacturers.
After the summit, he wants to begin a wider dialogue about future options, but the details and outcome are not yet settled.
Andy Burnham called for a serious dialogue about the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU, saying the current arrangement was not good enough.
He said the discussion should follow the next UK-EU summit, which is scheduled for 20 November.
The summit is expected to focus on deals covering food and drink, youth mobility and emissions trading.
Burnham said closer relations could support economic growth, control immigration and improve cooperation.
He denied reopening the Brexit debate and said he respected the referendum result.
- Who
- Andy Burnham called for dialogue about the UK’s relationship with the EU.
- What
- He proposed discussing long-term options for the relationship after the next UK-EU summit.
- When
- He made the call in a statement to MPs reported on 12 October 2026. The summit is scheduled for 20 November.
- Where
- The statement was made to MPs in the UK. The summit is due to take place in Brussels.
- Why
- Burnham said the discussion was needed to promote growth, control immigration, uphold values and security, and improve cooperation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The UK voted to leave the EU.
Burnham said Russia had interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Burnham told MPs he wanted a serious dialogue about the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU.
The next UK-EU reset summit is scheduled to take place in Brussels.
- Summit date
- 20 November
- Summit location
- Brussels
- Proposed deal areas
- Food and drink, youth mobility and emissions trading
- Estimated economic boost
- £10bn a year
- Burnham’s position
- He said he respected the referendum result and denied reopening the Brexit debate.
What people are saying
Sticking with the status quo is not good enough for Britain.
We need to take a calm, clear-eyed, rational look at the world as it is today to consider what is best for our country.
Our immediate priority is securing a successful outcome at the summit, and I believe we should then set up a serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long term.
significant but modest
Sources
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