Andy Burnham has promised a "serious dialogue" over the UK's future relationship with the EU, stating that the current arrangement is "not good enough." His comments come ahead of a crucial Brussels summit on 20 November, which he hopes will mark the first step towards eventual EU membership.
Burnham Calls for Clear-Eyed Approach to UK-EU Relations
The prime minister emphasised that Britain must take a "clear-eyed rational look" at its long-term relationship with the bloc. He argued that a deeper reset is needed to boost economic growth and control immigration—goals that go beyond Labour's existing red lines. Burnham framed the upcoming summit as a pivotal moment for setting a new course.
What to Expect from the November 20 Summit
The "reset" summit aims to sign deals on food and drink, youth mobility, and emissions trading. According to Burnham, these agreements could provide a £10bn-a-year boost to the economy. However, EU diplomats have described these issues as "significant but modest," viewing them as a test of the UK's good faith before tackling the "real reset" in the longer-term relationship.
Potential Sticking Points: "Made in Europe" Rules
The UK is braced for a possible row over protectionist "Made in Europe" trade rules. Industry fears these rules could lock out UK manufacturers, prompting the prime minister to pledge he would raise concerns with EU counterparts. This issue could overshadow the summit's positive agenda if not resolved.
Burnham Clarifies Comments on Russian Interference
Burnham was also forced to clarify that he did not think Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit campaign had affected the final result. This came after he raised questions about the legitimacy of the outcome in comments at the weekend. In a statement to MPs, he sought to quell concerns and refocus attention on the upcoming negotiations.

Key Takeaways from Burnham's Statement
- Serious dialogue promised on UK-EU relationship.
- Current relationship described as "not good enough."
- November 20 summit seen as first step to EU membership.
- Deals on food and drink, youth mobility, and emissions trading could boost economy by £10bn a year.
- Potential row over "Made in Europe" trade rules.
- Burnham clarifies stance on Russian interference in Brexit vote.
Comparing the Potential Deals
| Deal Area | Potential Impact | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Drink | Reduce export barriers, lower prices | Under negotiation |
| Youth Mobility | Easier travel and work for young people | Under negotiation |
| Emissions Trading | Align carbon markets, boost green trade | Under negotiation |
FAQ
What did Andy Burnham promise regarding the UK's relationship with the EU?
Andy Burnham promised a "serious dialogue" over the UK's future place in Europe, stating that the existing relationship is "not good enough" and framing the upcoming Brussels summit as a possible first step to EU membership.
What deals are expected to be signed at the November 20 summit?
The summit aims to sign deals on food and drink, youth mobility, and emissions trading, which could provide a £10bn-a-year boost to the economy.
What concerns does the UK have about "Made in Europe" trade rules?
The UK is braced for a possible row over protectionist "Made in Europe" trade rules amid industry fears they could lock out UK manufacturers. The prime minister has pledged to raise these concerns with EU counterparts.