Burnham to make major Brexit concession on border checks

Andy Burnham is expected to agree to align UK food and drink rules with EU standards in a deal aimed at ending checks on fresh goods at the border. The move could help British producers resume exports and reduce trade barriers, while bringing UK rules closer to those of the EU.

The reported agreement, expected to be signed at the end of the month, would also restore EU pet passports for UK travellers. It could allow exports such as fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish and seed potatoes to resume, amid concerns about delays and a planned digital border system. The article says added red tape has contributed to 70,000 UK businesses stopping EU trade; some exporters may still face higher costs as rules change. Burnham has also said he has not proposed restoring free movement, calling instead for an “honest” discussion about immigration and Britain’s relationship with the EU.