PM Burnham pledges bolder EU relations while maintaining Brexit red lines
2 sources · United Kingdom
Who reported this
- The Independent
- Reuters
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Every source for this story reports from United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the United Kingdom must be bolder in seeking closer ties with the European Union. During his first foreign visit since taking office, while traveling to Ukraine, the Prime Minister suggested he intends to take a more assertive approach to forging relations with the bloc than his predecessor. Despite this rhetoric, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that the government remains committed to the red lines established in the Labour manifesto. The spokesperson stated that the UK will not rejoin the European Union, the customs union, or the single market, and will not return to freedom of movement.
Downing Street declined to provide a running commentary on specific discussions or expand on what a bolder approach would entail. This comes ahead of a postponed UK EU summit where topics such as energy sharing, defence, and youth mobility are expected to be discussed. The government is also continuing to take stock of its position regarding European students.
Responses to the Prime Minister's position varied. Mike Galsworthy of European Movement UK suggested that the primary opportunity for a policy shift lies in the next manifesto. Conversely, Liberal Democrat spokesperson Al Pinkerton criticized the Prime Minister for caving to red lines, arguing that sticking to these restrictions will harm the economy and British businesses.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The reporting framed the commitment to Brexit red lines as a blow to hopes of rejoining the EU and included economic warnings about the costs of Brexit.
- Centre
- The reporting focused neutrally on the Prime Minister's call for a bolder approach to EU ties.
Sources
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