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Burnham says UK has ‘lost more than it gained’ from Brexit
Andy Burnham said Britain has “lost more than we’ve gained” from Brexit, arguing that closer ties with the EU could reduce trade barriers, support exporters and help lower food prices. His comments come ahead of a Brussels summit, where the UK and EU are expected to discuss food and farming, emissions trading and youth mobility.
The government estimates the agreements could raise GDP by 0.4 per cent, or about £17bn, while a food deal alone could add £5.1bn a year by 2040. It could reduce paperwork and border checks for exporters such as Welsh lamb and shellfish producers, but food manufacturers warn that aligning with EU rules will take resources. Burnham said Labour would still rule out rejoining the single market or customs union and restoring freedom of movement; talks also include concerns about EU industrial rules and the £570m estimated cost of returning to Erasmus next year.
In short
- Burnham says Britain has lost more than it gained from Brexit.
- UK-EU talks could raise GDP by 0.4 per cent.
- Food exporters may face fewer checks, but manufacturers warn of costs.
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 ease paperwork and border checks, helping exporters and potentially lowering costs for consumers. Supporters argue that the estimated gains to GDP and food trade justify investing in alignment and cooperation, while targeted agreements need not mean rejoining the single market or customs union.
The case against
Closer alignment could require businesses to spend time and money adapting to EU rules, while the benefits are estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes. Critics may also question whether the projected gains justify the costs of schemes such as Erasmus or reduced freedom to set distinct UK rules, and argue that cooperation should be judged deal by deal.
Explained simply
Brexit refers to the UK’s departure from the European Union, completed in 2020. Since then, trade between the UK and EU has involved new rules and checks, while the two sides have continued to negotiate how they work together.
Andy Burnham is the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester. Labour says it does not plan to rejoin the EU single market or customs union, or restore free movement, but supports closer cooperation in some areas. The UK government and EU are discussing possible agreements on food and farming, emissions and youth exchanges.
Changes to trade rules could affect businesses that sell goods across the border, including food producers, and could alter the cost of exporting. Estimates of possible economic gains are based on the proposed agreements; businesses would also need to adapt to any new requirements.
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