Burnham agrees draft EU reset covering food rules and youth mobility

Andy Burnham has agreed draft arrangements for a UK-EU “reset” that would bring British food and plant health rules into line with EU standards and create a scheme for under-30s to live, work and study on either side. The proposals matter because they would deepen cooperation after Brexit and have prompted criticism that the UK could become a rule-taker.

The reported package also includes emissions trading arrangements and could cost up to £450 million a year to reduce tuition fees for EU students, who currently pay international rates of £11,400 to £38,000, compared with the £9,790 domestic rate. Burnham has claimed the agreements could add more than £10 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040; the draft deals are expected to be discussed at a summit on 20 November. He said he has not proposed restoring general freedom of movement.