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Burnham seeks closer EU ties, citing Britain’s losses since Brexit
Andy Burnham said the UK has “lost more than we gained” since the 2016 Brexit referendum, as he prepares to meet EU leaders on 20 November. He is seeking closer ties with the bloc, arguing that a new agreement could lower food prices, reduce costs for exporters and support economic growth.
The proposed agreements cover food and farming, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme, and Burnham said they could raise GDP by up to 0.4 per cent. He said the UK would later explore its longer-term relationship with the EU, while maintaining Labour’s stated limits against rejoining the customs union or single market, or restoring free movement. The Conservatives criticised his approach, while a campaign group opposing EU membership claimed rejoining would cost £750 million a week.
In short
- Burnham says Brexit has left the UK worse off overall.
- He is seeking agreements on food, farming and other areas.
- Conservatives oppose his push for closer EU ties.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Closer agreements with the EU on food standards, emissions trading and youth mobility could reduce trade costs, ease pressure on food prices and support growth while respecting Labour’s stated limits on closer integration. Advocates may see this as a practical response to the economic costs of Brexit and a way to improve cooperation without reversing the referendum outright.
The case against
Critics may argue that pursuing closer ties risks gradually drawing the UK back towards EU rules and obligations without a clear public mandate, while delivering uncertain economic gains. They may favour preserving regulatory autonomy and question whether the proposed benefits justify the compromises, especially given concerns about the cost of fuller EU membership.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union after the 2016 referendum. Since then, it has set its own rules and trade arrangements, while businesses have had to adapt to new checks and requirements when trading with EU countries.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour politician. The EU is a political and economic union of European countries; the UK is no longer a member, but still trades with it and co-operates in some areas.
Closer agreements on food and farming, emissions trading or youth travel could affect trade, prices and opportunities for young people. The debate matters because closer co-operation may bring economic benefits, while the terms would need to fit the UK’s choices about its relationship with the EU.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “UK has lost more than we gained in the decade since Brexit says Andy Burnham as he prepares to meet EU leaders”.