Andy Burnham says win-win Brexit deal possible with EU

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed confidence on Thursday that a mutually beneficial deal with the European Union could be reached, deviating from the Brexit outcome many anticipated in 2016. Burnham made these remarks during a meeting with fellow leaders at the European Political Community summit in Dublin, which precedes an upcoming UK-EU summit aimed at strengthening ties between the two entities.

The summit will focus on finalizing agreements concerning food and drink, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme. However, tuition fees for European students remain a contentious issue yet to be resolved. Burnham asserted that a win-win deal is achievable, stating, "I believe there is a good deal to be done that could be a win-win for Britain and Europe."

The negotiations ahead are expected to be intense, with the prime minister emphasizing the need to "take a step back to closer working relationships with Europe." Burnham highlighted that Britain initially negotiated a more stringent Brexit than initially believed during the 2016 referendum. He further noted that the EU has suggested delaying the implementation of the food and drink deal and emissions-trading agreement until a resolution on tuition fees is reached, a proposal he has not yet endorsed.

Burnham pledged to advocate for these benefits during the subsequent seven days, asserting that they would significantly impact Britain. He criticized former Prime Minister David Cameron's assertion that the country’s economic stagnation over the past decade was unrelated to Brexit, arguing that evidence to the contrary exists. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas expressed a willingness to see Britain rejoin the EU but warned that the post-Brexit negotiations would be challenging, especially after the trauma of the Brexit years.

The summit will also discuss the agenda for the forthcoming round of negotiations, which is anticipated to emphasize a joint migration pact, along with other topics such as law enforcement and border cooperation, visas for touring artists, and the mutual recognition of qualifications. This story was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.