Andy Burnham is set to end one of the most damaging consequences of Brexit by agreeing to align to European Union standards on food and drink in a bid to end border checks, reports BritPanorama.
This alignment will enable UK exports to the EU of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from domestic waters, and seed potatoes to resume, according to the BBC.
The agreement, reportedly scheduled for signing by the end of the month, will also reinstate pet passports for UK animals taken into the EU for the first time since the UK left the bloc.
However, Mr Burnham appeared to backtrack on his earlier aspirations to restore free movement, indicating instead that it would be part of an “honest” discussion regarding Britain’s future relationship with the EU.
The anticipated deal on border checks arises amid concerns over the impact of a new digital system on fresh goods. Full implementation of this system has previously faced delays, leading to issues with fresh produce like fruits and vegetables being held up at the border.
Currently, much UK produce has to bear a “not for sale in the EU” sticker, and farmers have been advocating for an agreement that would eliminate these checks and facilitate trade once more. The ongoing obstacles have contributed to approximately 70,000 businesses in the UK ceasing trade with the EU due to the added administrative burden.
While the deal will necessitate that the UK align with EU rules and standards, it represents a significant concession from the government, effectively unravelling aspects of Boris Johnson’s original agreement.
Pro-EU campaigners are likely to view this move as a potential precursor to a future election manifesto commitment aimed at rejoining the EU or at least becoming part of the single market or customs union.
Yet, despite much of UK regulation remaining aligned with EU standards, there are some areas where the UK has diverged, such as in the area of “precision breeding” of plants, previously defined as gene editing.
The prospective alignment is taking place as Mr Burnham distances himself from rapidly reversing another contentious Brexit outcome, namely the reinstatement of free movement. Following recent discussions, he has faced internal scrutiny within Labour, particularly from MPs representing red wall constituencies, who are wary of rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed reservations about the idea of reinstating free movement. In a recent interview, Mr Burnham clarified, “I have not proposed freedom of movement coming back.”
He emphasized the need for a candid discussion regarding how immigration patterns have evolved since the Brexit referendum, noting that the proportion of European short-term migrants returning has shifted towards long-term residency.
Mr Burnham noted that this shift has contributed to increased illegal migration, hindered by the inability to share data with European nations. He remarked on the evolving public sentiment in his constituency, highlighting a change in perspective since the 2016 Brexit vote.
“I think public opinion has changed nationally,” he said, while maintaining, “I will not run ahead of public opinion. The public needs to be the boss when it comes to whatever happens with Brexit.”
Mr Burnham faced additional questions after a weekend interview where he called for an honest discourse around returning to free movement, further fuelling uncertainty about the UK’s relationship with Brussels.
Confusion grew after subsequent interviews in which he indicated that there would be no immediate changes in this Parliament but hinted at potential election promises to shift the UK closer to the EU.
He later clarified that he would not reinstate EU freedom of movement without a public vote, prompting Downing Street to emphasize that he was “not leaning either way” on future strategies.
In his address to MPs last week, Mr Burnham asserted that there was “no confusion at all” regarding his position on seeking a referendum on rejoining the bloc while committing to uphold Labour’s manifesto guidelines, which rule out reconnection to the customs union, the single market, or free movement for the duration of the Parliament. He advised his cabinet against endorsing specific future options regarding the UK’s relationship with the EU, further underlining his strategic approach.
These developments come at a critical juncture as the UK continues to navigate complex post-Brexit realities, highlighting the nuance and evolving public sentiment surrounding these significant political discussions.
