Prime Minister Andy Burnham told MPs that the current arrangement with the European Union is ‘not good enough for Britain.’ He framed his push as a ‘Brexit reset’ aimed at strengthening ties with the bloc. According to Burnham, a closer economic relationship could add more than £10 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040. He said the gain would come from lowering trade barriers for British produce and easing pressure on supermarket prices, presenting the deal as a tangible benefit for households and businesses.
Burnham confirmed that a UK‑EU summit will take place in Brussels on November 20. The prime minister said he intends to work hard over the next five weeks to secure an agreement, emphasizing that the timetable is tight but achievable.
Discussions at the summit are expected to range across several policy areas. Food and drink trade will be a priority, as will the emissions trading system and broader energy cooperation. Burnham also highlighted a youth scheme intended to ease movement for young people between the UK and the EU, alongside talks on immigration. These topics reflect the government’s aim to address both economic and social ties in the renewed partnership.
Burnham also highlighted a youth scheme intended to ease movement for young people between the UK and the EU, alongside talks on immigration.
While advocating for a reset, Burnham was clear that he is not reopening the 2016 referendum. He said, ‘I am not reopening the referendum. I respect the referendum result.’ At the same time, he warned that it would be a ‘dereliction of duty’ for members of Parliament to reject opportunities that could boost the economy and improve cooperation on migration. He urged MPs to see the deal as a chance to deliver concrete benefits rather than dwell on past divisions.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of reopening Brexit arguments a decade after the vote, arguing that he is unlikely to secure a better deal from tough EU negotiators.