Andy Burnham’s controversial Brexit “surrender” push gathered pace today as he held talks with European leaders.
The Prime Minister attended the European Political Community meeting in Dublin this afternoon while finalising the terms of his proposed “reset” ahead of next week’s UK-EU summit.
Opening talks with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday, Mr Burnham said the discussions would focus on getting a deal “over the line”.
The PM was also expected to discuss his Brexit reset plans during a meeting with France’s Emmanuel Macron.
However, concerns are mounting that Mr Burnham could make significant concessions to secure improved trading terms at next Friday’s UK-EU summit.
Possible measures include payments into Brussels’ coffers, a youth “free movement” scheme and alignment with EU rules. Member states are also preparing to take a tough stance over demands for reduced tuition fees.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is reportedly ready to lead the effort to persuade the public to support the agreement.
Mr Burnham’s intervention has also sparked a broader debate about rejoining the EU after the next election, creating tensions within the Cabinet despite the PM instructing ministers to remain publicly neutral.
Andy Burnham’s Brexit “surrender” campaign intensified as he met European leaders for talks
Mr Burnham told European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen that the talks were aimed at getting a deal “over the line”
The PM was expected to discuss his Brexit reset package with France’s Emmanuel Macron
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also attending the discussions in Dublin
During his bilateral meeting with Ms von der Leyen in Dublin, Mr Burnham said: “Obviously, we have a UK-EU summit seven days away now, a week tomorrow, and our teams – who are working very well – and we’re really grateful to you and your colleagues.
“We have potentially a deal that can be good for businesses in the UK in terms of cutting red tape, reducing costs on business, but also good for consumers as well in terms of lowering prices. Good for young people potentially.
“But we’ve got to try and get this deal over the line, and that’s what today is about.”
Ms von der Leyen praised officials for working “tirelessly” through “hard negotiations” before next week’s “important” summit.
In a post on X following her meeting with Mr Burnham, the European Commission chief wrote: “Good to meet Andy Burnham in Dublin today, ahead of next week’s EU-UK summit in Brussels.
“Let’s make it a summit of ambition and concrete results. More opportunities for young people. Easier agrifood trade. And stronger cooperation on economic security.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming you in Brussels next week.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron issued a stark warning last night that the UK must not rejoin the EU, urging Mr Burnham to stop attributing the country’s economic problems to Brexit.
In a major intervention, the former Conservative premier said reopening the “painful argument” would serve no useful purpose.
Lord Cameron’s premiership was derailed by his defeat in the 2016 EU referendum, in which he led the Remain campaign.
“If you look at the economic problems we have today, I don’t really think they’ve got anything to do with Brexit at all,” Lord Cameron told Bloomberg’s Mishal Husain.
Mr Burnham is expected to approve a series of agreements covering food and drink, emissions trading and a “youth experience scheme” at next week’s Brussels summit.
In another apparent concession to the EU, ministers are reportedly prepared to match the bloc’s targets for electric vehicle sales. There is also pressure to follow Brussels by introducing tariffs on Chinese cars.
Arriving in Dublin this morning, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would “very much like to see Britain back in Europe”, despite the “trauma” of the Brexit negotiations.
“The negotiations will not be that easy, but I think we can take the little steps,” she said.
“And I’m confident that if we are together, we are much stronger when it comes to the economy, but also when it comes to security.”
Mr Burnham has also said he will use next week’s summit to “set up a serious dialogue” on the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU, arguing that “sticking with the status quo is not good enough for Britain”.
The PM, who has previously said he would like to see the UK rejoin the EU during his lifetime, has promised to present voters with “different options” shortly.
However, his call for an “honest discussion” about restoring freedom of movement has triggered a furious reaction within Labour circles.
Further confusion emerged when he was questioned about how any change to Labour’s manifesto red lines – which rule out rejoining the customs union and single market – would be put before voters.
Mr Burnham initially said there would be no change during this Parliament and suggested he could contest the next general election on a pledge to take the UK back into the bloc.
But in a separate interview, he answered “no” when asked whether he would allow the UK to restore EU freedom of movement without a referendum.
Downing Street was then forced to clarify that he was “not leaning either way” on how the issue should proceed or whether a national vote would be required.
David Cameron has warned Andy Burnham against rejoining the EU and reopening a “painful” debate
In his letter to the Cabinet, Mr Burnham wrote: “In the period beyond the summit, government policy will be to explore options for the long-term relationship with the EU for consideration in the next Parliament.
“At the end of this process, we will set out to the country the respective merits and drawbacks of the various options.
“It is important that we remain aligned and disciplined as a Government in our messaging throughout this period.
“It will not be appropriate for ministers individually to advocate for specific options or opine on the likely outcome of the process.”
Former Tory Cabinet minister Priti Patel said: “Andy Burnham’s obsession with the EU risks dragging Britain backwards, damaging our economy and leaving hardworking British taxpayers footing the bill.
“The British people voted to leave the EU. That democratic decision must be respected, not endlessly undermined by the liberal left establishment who refuse to accept it.
“Instead of reopening old Brexit arguments, Burnham should focus on the real challenges facing our country: driving economic growth, cutting taxes, reducing regulation and supporting British businesses.
“We need a government focused on Britain’s future, not one fixated on returning to its past.”
