Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that Britain intends to pursue a “bolder” strategy to strengthen relations with the European Union, reports BritPanorama.
During a recent overnight train journey to Kyiv, Ukraine, Burnham met with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, where he stressed the necessity for “greater co-operation” across various sectors. These discussions precede an anticipated UK-EU summit, initially set for July but now postponed to a date yet to be confirmed later this year.
While in Ukraine, Burnham committed to assisting the nation in producing long-range missiles, a move signalling increased military support. A spokesperson from Downing Street remarked, “The Prime Minister met the President of the European Council Antonio Costa on the train to Kyiv last night, as the two leaders travelled into the city to mark Independence Day.”
The statement highlighted the significance of this meeting: “It was a vital moment to show unity and solidarity with Ukraine.” Both leaders also underscored the importance of an ambitious approach to improving UK-EU relations, with Burnham stating that the UK needed to be more proactive in building ties, particularly in defence and security.
The upcoming summit is seen as a crucial opportunity to reinforce these discussions. As they headed toward the Coalition of the Willing later that day, both leaders expressed anticipation for continued collaboration.
How rejoining EU single market would impact the UK economy
Recent economic research suggests that strengthened ties with Europe could offer a £92 billion boost to the UK’s GDP. According to a report commissioned by Best for Britain, which advocates for the UK’s full reintegration with the EU, joining the EU could recuperate approximately 90 percent of the economic losses incurred by Brexit.
Burnham’s ‘ambitions’ for UK to get closer to EU
During the same journey, Burnham spoke with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, outlining his ambitions for closer ties with the EU and acknowledging the significant cultural and educational bonds that could create opportunities for future generations. This stance follows the strategy initiated by his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, aimed at enhancing relations with Europe.
In a prior statement to the Times, Burnham expressed a desire to build upon existing UK-EU negotiations, advocating for expanded cooperation on crucial issues like illegal migration and economic security.
Despite his previous comments during the Makerfield by-election campaign, where he cautioned against discussions of rejoining the EU, Burnham has articulated that Brexit has had detrimental effects and urged a collective focus on shared goals. “It is time, surely, isn’t it, to bring people back together,” he remarked, emphasising a need for unity and economic recovery.
Amid ongoing debates about Britain’s relationship with the EU, former Tory minister Nick Boles recently suggested that rejoining the EU single market could solidify Burnham’s position in the next general election. He urged the Prime Minister to capitalize on the significant international shifts since 2016 to forge a beneficial deal with EU leaders that would bolster both the UK’s economy and continental stability.
