Norway’s leader warns Burnham against copying its EU ties for UK reset

Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, has cautioned Andy Burnham against using Norway’s relationship with the EU as a model for closer UK ties. Støre said Norway must adopt many EU decisions despite not being a member, a warning that matters as Burnham prepares to discuss a UK-EU reset.

Norway belongs to the European Economic Area, which gives it access to the EU single market, while remaining outside the bloc; it can also sign free trade deals. Burnham has said the UK’s planned deal, due to be presented at a summit on 20 November, could reduce food trade red tape and supermarket price pressures, and that closer cooperation could support growth, security and action on illegal migration. Critics, including Priti Patel and David Davis, argue that deeper ties could come at too high a cost.