Burnham says 'win-win' deal can be agreed between UK and EU

Here is a story making headlines in the economy: Burnham says 'win-win' deal can be agreed between UK and EUImage source, Getty ImagesByRichard WheelerPolitical reporterPublished13 November 2026Andy Burnham said he believes a "win-win" deal can be agreed with the European Union, adding it could be "more like the Brexit that people thought they were voting for" in 2016. The prime minister is exploring closer ties with the bloc and is expected to sign new agreements on food, energy and youth mobility at a UK-EU summit on 20 November. Speaking after meeting European leaders in Ireland on Thursday, Burnham said he hopes a deal could help lower prices and boost the UK economy.

He predicted the negotiations could "go down to the wire". The Conservatives have previously said Labour are "dragging us into the European Union via the back door with their EU reset". While Burnham has argued that Brexit has done "more harm than good", he has ruled out major changes to the UK's relationship with the EU before the next general election.

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Labour's 2024 general election manifesto pledged there would be "no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement", and Burnham has committed to this. The manifesto also said the party wanted to "make Brexit work" and reset the UK's relationship with the EU. Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer struck a deal in May 2025 covering fishing, trade and other areas and next week's summit will see the UK government seek to agree further changes.

Burnham has also made clear he wants to examine the "pros and cons" of the options for Britain's long-term relationship with the bloc. Burnham's push for closer EU ties causes ripples in his party and others Published3 days agoUK cannot 'cherry pick' EU single market deal, Barnier tells Published7 NovemberBrexit referendum 'possible' in Labour election manifesto, says Burnham Published30 SeptemberCan Burnham avoid another Labour welfare rebellion? Published2 days agoSpeaking to reporters on Thursday, Burnham was asked to explain if his decision to reopen the debate on the UK's future with Europe had helped or hindered the negotiations linked to the summit.

Burnham replied "I think it has helped" before adding: "We've got a big week ahead of us to try and get this deal over the line. "But let's be clear what's at stake: what we can achieve through this deal is lower prices for British consumers, lower costs for British businesses, more growth in our economy so there's really big prizes here, and I will fight now over the days to come to make sure we get this deal over the line. "Pressed on whether discounted university tuition fees for European students would be part of the deal, Burnham said "requests are coming from the European side, we are putting our requests on the table too".

He added: "I believe there is a good deal to be done that could be a win-win for Britain and Europe. I think it actually could be more like the Brexit that people thought they were voting for in 2016.

Financial markets are tracking the development closely as investors assess the likely impact.