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Burnham says ‘win-win’ deal can be agreed between UK and EU
Andy Burnham said he believes the UK and EU can reach a “win-win” agreement that could lower prices, reduce business costs and boost economic growth. His comments come as the government seeks closer ties with the bloc, while ruling out a return to the single market, customs union or free movement before the next general election.
A UK-EU summit on 20 November is expected to address food, energy and youth mobility. The sides have agreed a draft deal to remove post-Brexit checks on food and agricultural exports, with draft proposals also circulated on emissions trading and youth travel and work; the government estimates the agreement could eventually bring £5.1bn in annual benefits. The plans have drawn criticism from Conservatives, while the Liberal Democrats argue closer ties should go further.
In short
- Burnham says a UK-EU agreement could benefit both sides.
- A summit is expected to cover food, energy and youth mobility.
- The government estimates annual benefits of £5.1bn.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that practical agreements with the EU on food, energy and youth mobility could reduce costs and barriers for businesses while supporting growth, without undoing the decision to leave the bloc. They see the proposed arrangements as a pragmatic way to improve trade and cooperation, with potential benefits for consumers, workers and exporters.
The case against
Critics may argue that closer alignment with EU rules risks limiting the UK’s freedom to set its own policies, while the projected economic gains are estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes. Others may say the proposals do not go far enough: keeping the single market, customs union and free movement off the table could leave significant barriers in place and forgo greater benefits from closer ties.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union in 2020, ending its participation in shared rules for trade and movement. Since then, the two sides have agreed arrangements governing issues such as trade, travel and cooperation, while businesses have faced new requirements when moving some goods across borders.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour politician. The UK government and EU institutions are negotiating possible changes to their relationship, including rules affecting food exports, energy markets and opportunities for young people to travel and work.
Closer cooperation could affect prices, costs for businesses and economic growth, but the extent of any changes depends on what both sides agree. The debate also reflects different views in UK politics about how closely the country should work with the EU while remaining outside its main shared arrangements.
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