Burnham pledges pragmatic EU approach ahead of November summit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the government will adopt a pragmatic approach to strengthening relations with the European Union. This declaration was made just two weeks after the Prime Minister indicated he might explore a full return to the bloc. Speaking to members of parliament on Monday, Burnham confirmed that a summit with EU leaders is scheduled for 20 November. The primary objective of this meeting is to finalise agreements on food standards and energy markets, proposals originally put forward by his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer.

The Prime Minister appeared to clarify remarks made at the Labour Party conference, where he suggested exploring a closer relationship with the EU that crossed the red lines established in the party’s 2024 manifesto. That manifesto explicitly stated that a Labour government would not rejoin the customs union or the single market. Burnham asserted that public opinion currently supports the pragmatic approach he is proposing. This stance comes as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of unpicking the deal signed after the UK left the bloc. Burnham emphasised that securing a successful outcome at the summit is the immediate priority, after which the government should establish a serious dialogue regarding long-term options for the relationship. He stressed that the British public will remain the decision-makers at every stage.

The Prime Minister’s comments in parliament contrast with his recent statements on rethinking Brexit. In his address to party members, Burnham said he would lay out options for a long-term relationship with the EU to the public. In subsequent interviews, he indicated he would consider joining the customs union, the single market, or going all the way with a proposal to rejoin. He told MPs that upcoming negotiations with the EU would focus on growth and controlling illegal immigration. Parliaments in both the UK and the EU will be required to agree on the full terms of new food standards, youth mobility, and energy trading arrangements made at last year’s summit. Government analysis suggests that a deal on food could add nine billion pounds a year to the UK economy by 2040.

Political opposition has been vocal regarding these developments. The Conservatives and Reform UK have stated they would cancel any deal agreed with the EU if either party was elected into government. Badenoch criticised Burnham for revealing his entire negotiating hand, arguing that this is not how negotiations are conducted. She described the EU as tough negotiators and suggested that Burnham would not secure a better deal. Sir Edward Leigh, the Father of the House of Commons, urged the Prime Minister not to reopen Brexit debates during a follow-up question. Burnham responded by stating he was not reopening the referendum and respected the result. He maintained that he would take a pragmatic approach to boost growth and increase cooperation on Channel crossings, viewing the inherited deal as an opportunity to secure progress in both areas. The Prime Minister later insisted that he would not revisit the red lines set out in the party manifesto.