Burnham signals deeper EU engagement as government rethinks post-Brexit ties

Andy Burnham’s government is preparing to push for a closer relationship with the European Union, with ministers signalling that the next phase of UK-EU relations could extend beyond the limited reset pursued in recent years.

European Relations Minister Hamish Falconer said the government wanted to “go further” in areas where closer cooperation could reduce barriers for British businesses and improve economic links with the bloc.

“The previous prime minister did really important work to help reset relations, and I want to consolidate some of that work,” Falconer told Sky News. “But we also need to see how we can go further.”

The comments come ahead of the next UK-EU summit, where ministers are expected to focus on practical areas of cooperation rather than reopening the fundamental question of Brexit.

Officials are examining potential agreements covering issues including food exports, electricity market cooperation and Britain’s interaction with the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism, which is designed to prevent carbon-intensive imports from undermining European climate policies.

Falconer said the priority was securing deals that work for both sides, particularly by reducing friction faced by UK companies trading with European markets.

The government insists it is not seeking to reverse Brexit immediately. Falconer said Labour was “not talking about rejoining today”, but his comments underline the continuing political debate over the UK’s long-term relationship with its largest trading partner.

For businesses, the appeal of closer alignment is straightforward: fewer regulatory barriers, smoother supply chains and improved access to European markets. However, any move towards deeper integration risks reopening some of Britain’s most politically sensitive divisions.

The challenge for Burnham’s government will be finding a balance between economic pragmatism and the political realities of Brexit.

With the next general election expected in 2029, the question of how far Britain should move back towards Europe is likely to remain one of the defining strategic choices facing Westminster.