Burnham to push for new post-Brexit deals at EU summit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will push for new post-Brexit deals with the EU at a summit next month, focusing on youth mobility, food and drink, and energy cooperation to drive economic growth.

Burnham told MPs the agreements could add the equivalent of £10bn per year to the economy by 2040. He cited specific trade problems: Scottish salmon faces a 100% rate of document checks at the border, costing around £100m in lost exports. Fresh meat and fish spoil during border delays. Entire truckloads of plants or fresh produce are destroyed over missing stamps or minor paperwork issues.

The prime minister said it would be a "dereliction of duty" to turn away from the chance to cut bureaucracy. He also warned that the EU's Made In Europe plans posed "a risk to UK manufacturing" and said he was in talks to secure "an arrangement" that worked for the UK. Those EU proposals aim to protect EU industry from Chinese competitors but could impact British industry and supply chains.

Burnham committed to Labour's manifesto pledges not to return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement until the next election. He said the "immediate priority" was securing a successful outcome at the November summit, then establishing "a serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long term."

He added: "At every stage, the British public will be the boss, and I am clear that public opinion currently supports a pragmatic approach like the one I am suggesting."

However, the prime minister did not rule out a new manifesto after Labour conference, which could include rejecting those red lines.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of "unpicking" the deal the UK signed with the EU. She argued he would not secure a better deal because the EU is a "tough negotiator" and he has "revealed his entire negotiating hand."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed Burnham's acknowledgment of Brexit's "damage" but called on him to drop Labour's red lines and open negotiations on joining the single market and customs union.