Prime Minister Andy Burnham has criticized the impact of Brexit on the United Kingdom, saying the nation has “lost more than we gained” over the past decade. Speaking at the Welsh Labour conference, Burnham suggested that the Conservative Party had negotiated an excessively stringent separation from the EU and subsequently severed important relationships with the bloc. He framed his upcoming diplomatic efforts as an attempt to rebuild those connections and improve economic conditions for British workers and businesses.
Burnham is scheduled to attend a UK-EU summit next week where he aims to finalize agreements on food and farming, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme. Government officials estimate these accords could increase GDP by approximately 0.4%, equivalent to about £17bn. Additionally, the prime minister intends to explore possibilities for redefining the long-term institutional relationship between Britain and the EU. Burnham emphasized that such negotiations could reduce food prices and boost profits for British exporters, particularly those in Wales involved in agriculture and shellfish production.
The prime minister acknowledged that while he remains open to rejoining the single market, customs union, or even the EU itself, any substantive changes would require public approval. He reiterated Labour’s campaign commitments, stating the government would maintain its “red lines” against returning to the customs union, single market, or free movement provisions. Burnham stressed that respecting both the manifesto pledges and the results of the original referendum would guide his approach to EU relations.
The British government has already initiated several measures to align more closely with European structures. Earlier this month, reports indicated the UK was considering annual expenditures of up to £450m to provide EU students with reduced university tuition in exchange for access to the Made in Europe industrial programme. Additionally, cabinet officials indicated a willingness to contribute financially to European infrastructure projects in less developed regions if such contributions would secure British participation in the European electricity market.
European officials have signaled that closer integration comes with expectations. Michel Barnier, the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, stated that the four freedoms of movement must be accepted together and rejected the possibility of selective participation. On 20 November, Burnham will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa in Brussels to pursue these negotiations.
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