UK PM Burnham ready to confront 'obvious truth' of Brexit's costs
EWU•Andy Burnham is set to call for a difficult conversation about Brexit's costs and a reset in Britain's relationship with the EU. Britain and the EU are expected to agree on Friday to cut food and agricultural border checks and make it easier for young people to live and work abroad.
1. Burnham challenges Brexit deal
Burnham is set to say the Brexit deal has not worked and that Britain has lost more than it gained. He wants a broader reassessment of the deal struck by the previous Conservative government and a reset in the relationship with the EU.
2. Talks ahead of summit
At Friday's summit in Brussels, Britain and the EU are expected to agree on reducing border checks for food and agricultural products and arrangements to make it easier for young people to live and work abroad. Burnham says any agreement must respect Labour's current red lines while improving the Brexit deal and delivering tangible improvements to people.
3. Different approach from Starmer
Burnham's approach differs from his predecessor Keir Starmer, whose 2024 manifesto ruled out returning to the EU customs union, single market or freedom of movement. Those red lines bind Labour until the next election, due in 2029.
