Andy Burnham, a prominent Labour figure, has expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial agreement with the European Union can be reached, suggesting it could resemble the Brexit that voters envisioned in 2016. His comments come as the UK government prepares for a crucial summit with the EU on 20 November, where closer ties on food, energy, and youth mobility are expected to be formalized.
Optimism Amid Negotiations
Speaking after discussions with European leaders in Ireland on Thursday, Burnham emphasized the potential benefits of a deal, including lower prices for consumers and a boost to the UK economy. He acknowledged that negotiations could be tense and go "down to the wire," but remained hopeful about the outcome.
The Conservatives have criticized Labour's approach, accusing them of "dragging us into the European Union via the back door with their EU reset." However, Burnham has consistently argued that Brexit has done "more harm than good," while ruling out major changes to the UK's relationship with the EU before the next general election.
Commitment to Manifesto Pledges
Labour's 2024 general election manifesto pledged there would be "no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement," and Burnham has reiterated his commitment to these principles. The party aims to "make Brexit work" and reset the UK's relationship with the EU. Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had struck a deal in May 2025 covering fishing, trade, and other areas, and next week's summit will see the UK government seek to agree further changes.
Burnham has also made clear he wants to examine the "pros and cons" of the options for Britain's long-term relationship with the bloc. When asked whether his decision to reopen the debate on the UK's future with Europe had helped or hindered negotiations, Burnham replied, "I think it has helped." He added, "We've got a big week ahead of us to try and get this deal over the line. But let's be clear what's at stake: what we can achieve through this deal is lower prices for British consumers, lower costs for British businesses, more growth in our economy so there's really big prizes here, and I will fight now over the days to come to make sure we get this deal over the line."
Details of the Deal
Pressed on whether discounted university tuition fees for European students would be part of the deal, Burnham said "requests are coming from the European side, we are putting our requests on the table too." He added, "I believe there is a good deal to be done that could be a win-win for Britain and Europe. I think it actually could be more like the Brexit that people thought they were voting for in 2016."
Ahead of the summit, the UK and EU have agreed a draft deal on removing post-Brexit checks from food and agriculture exports. Similar texts for deals on emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme have also been circulated to EU nations. The government claims the agreement will eventually bring £5.1bn worth of annual benefits to the UK economy.
Burnham also told MPs last month that the summit presents an opportunity to make progress on "controlling illegal immigration."
Opposition and Support
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has strongly opposed any move to align with EU rules, saying it would "actually take us backwards." On Thursday, Conservative MP and former minister Dame Priti Patel said, "Andy Burnham's obsession with the EU risks dragging Britain backwards, damaging our economy and leaving hardworking British taxpayers footing the bill."
The Liberal Democrats have described the draft deal as a "patch, not a fix" and called for the UK to re-join the single market and establish a customs union with the EU. Reform UK believes one of the "key benefits" of Brexit is that Britain no longer has to "adhere to ridiculous EU rules," and any form of alignment could negatively impact the country's trade policy. The Green Party has called for the UK to re-join the customs union, with leader Zack Polanski saying "full membership of the EU remains the best option for the UK."
As the summit approaches, all eyes will be on whether Burnham and the government can secure a deal that satisfies both sides and delivers on the promise of a "win-win" outcome.
