Andy Burnham says UK has ‘lost more than we gained’ through Brexit

Key Points:

• UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham criticized Brexit, stating the UK has "lost more than we gained" and accused the Conservative party of damaging relations with the EU by "burning all our bridges."
• Burnham aims to secure a new deal with the EU at an upcoming summit to lower food prices and benefit British exporters, particularly Welsh farmers and shellfish exporters, potentially boosting GDP by 0.4% (£17bn).
• While open to closer ties with the EU, including options like rejoining the single market or customs union, Burnham reaffirmed Labour’s manifesto red lines ruling out such moves and emphasized respecting the 2016 referendum result.
• The UK government has indicated willingness to invest in EU programs, such as discounted tuition fees for EU students and contributions to EU infrastructure, in exchange for market access, but EU officials insist on full adherence to all single market freedoms without selective participation.
• EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, are set to meet Burnham on 20 November to discuss potential agreements on food, carbon emissions, and youth exchanges, amid EU warnings against "cherry-picking" single market benefits.