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Burnham argues Brexit has cost Britain more than it gained
Andy Burnham said the UK has “lost more than we gained” since Brexit, arguing that the Conservatives left Britain with a harsher break from the EU than voters expected. He said he would seek closer ties with Brussels to reduce costs and support Welsh businesses, while respecting Labour’s manifesto commitments and the referendum result.
At a summit in Brussels on 20 November, Burnham hopes to secure agreements on food and farming, emissions trading and youth mobility; the government estimates these could raise GDP by 0.4%, or about £17bn. He says a food and farming deal could lower food prices and help exporters, including Welsh farmers and shellfish and lamb producers. Labour’s manifesto rules out rejoining the customs union or single market and restoring free movement, while EU figures have said access to its schemes may require payments and acceptance of its rules.
In short
- Burnham says Brexit has cost the UK more than it gained.
- He wants closer EU ties to support businesses and lower food prices.
- Proposed summit agreements could add about £17bn to GDP.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Closer ties with the EU could reduce trade barriers and costs for British businesses, support food and farming exporters, and make cooperation on emissions and youth mobility easier. Supporters argue that pursuing practical agreements can deliver economic gains while respecting the referendum result and Labour’s commitments not to rejoin the single market or customs union.
The case against
Closer ties may bring costs and obligations, including payments to participate in EU schemes and acceptance of related rules, while offering less influence over decisions than membership. Critics may also argue that renewed alignment risks weakening the autonomy Brexit was meant to secure, and that projected economic gains should be weighed against those trade-offs and the limits of the proposed agreements.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Andy Burnham says UK has ‘lost more than we gained’ through Brexit”.