Burnham Seeks £10 Billion in New EU Deals at November Summit as Brexit Red Lines Stay
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 12
Burnham Seeks £10 Billion in New EU Deals at November Summit as Brexit Red Lines Stay
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 12
Summary
Andy Burnham told MPs he will seek post-Brexit agreements with the EU next month on food and drink, energy trading and migration coordination, saying they could add £10 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040.
The push is aimed at cutting border friction that he said destroys truckloads of produce, leaves Scottish salmon facing 100% document checks and blocks some fresh meat, shellfish and seed potato exports.
Burnham also warned the EU's Made In Europe industrial plans could hurt UK manufacturing and supply chains, while arguing an energy and emissions-trading deal could lower bills and cut Northern Ireland wholesale power costs by 20%.
Labour's current red lines remain in place until the next election — no return to the single market, customs union or free movement — even as Burnham called for a longer-term debate on the UK's EU relationship.
Kemi Badenoch accused him of reopening Brexit and weakening his negotiating position, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged him to go further and seek single-market and customs-union talks.