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Andy Burnham has rejected claims that he has stopped ministers from speaking out about his plans for a closer relationship with Europe. The response comes after a report by GB News under the headline alleging that he had gagged the cabinet on a plot to rejoin the EU.
Denial in Pooled Interview
When asked if he was preventing ministers from expressing their views during a pooled interview with broadcasters, Burnham stated that he was not doing so in the slightest. He explained that he has been working alongside the cabinet on the approach toward Europe to establish a clear strategy ahead of the upcoming UK-EU summit scheduled in three weeks.
Letter to Cabinet Ministers
In a letter sent to cabinet ministers, Burnham criticized the Brexit deal negotiated by the Conservative administration, arguing that it was insufficient for Britain, caused a decade of low growth, burdened businesses with administrative red tape, and weakened immigration control. He described the outcome as a harder Brexit than what was originally promised during the EU referendum.
Looking ahead to the UK-EU summit on November 20, Burnham stated his intention to secure agreements on food and beverages, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme. He also noted plans to outline future steps for evaluating the long-term relationship between the UK and the EU.
Burnham emphasized that both the UK and the EU have evolved significantly over the decade following the Brexit vote, stating that any future ties must rely on practical, realistic arrangements for both parties. He added that any fundamental shift in the direction of the relationship would ultimately be a decision for the public and the next parliament.
Government Messaging and Discipline
Burnham reported that the government shares an agreed mandate for the upcoming summit. Beyond the summit, he explained, government policy will involve exploring options for the long-term relationship to be considered during the next parliament.
At the conclusion of the process, the respective advantages and disadvantages of each option will be presented to the country. Burnham stressed the importance of maintaining alignment and discipline in government messaging throughout this period, noting that it would be inappropriate for individual ministers to advocate for specific options or speculate on the eventual outcome.
