Britain seeking EU deal where benefits outweigh tradeoffs, finance minister Healey says
LONDON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - British finance minister John Healey said on Thursday the government would pursue closer cooperation with the European Union at next week's UK-EU summit in areas where the benefits to businesses and consumers outweighed the costs.
British Finance Minister John Healey announced on Thursday that the UK government aims to pursue closer cooperation with the European Union during the upcoming UK-EU summit, focusing on areas where the benefits for businesses and consumers outweigh the costs. When asked if pursuing better post-Brexit ties could lead to further uncertainty, Healey stated that Britain seeks agreements on issues such as food and farming to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs for businesses, and help lower prices.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been actively seeking deeper collaboration with the EU since his election, arguing that a wider reset of ties with the bloc could support economic growth and address shared challenges. At the European Political Community summit on Thursday, Burnham told EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that it was time for Britain and the EU to forge a new path, reducing costs for farmers, food producers, and shop prices.
Healey emphasized that the Brexit deal negotiated 10 years ago is inadequate and that the status quo is not working for either side. He added that where improvements are possible, the UK will make them, even if it involves trade-offs. Healey clarified that closer cooperation would not necessarily mean trade-offs, as the advantages for British businesses and consumers would outweigh the costs.
He also noted that, unlike the financial services sector, the UK would continue to "forge our own way" in food and farming.
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