Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK must be “bolder” in seeking closer ties with the European Union as he called for a wider strengthening of relations with the bloc.
The comments came during talks with European Council President António Costa as the two leaders travelled by train to Kyiv ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorations.
According to Downing Street, Burnham and Costa agreed on the importance of being ambitious in order to deliver a “step change” in UK-EU relations.
Burnham calls for closer relationship with EU
A Downing Street readout said Burnham told Costa that the UK had to be “bolder in terms of getting closer to the bloc”.
The Prime Minister said that should include building on the close defence and security ties already established between Britain and its European allies while pursuing greater cooperation across other areas of the relationship.
No new agreement or detailed policy package was announced as part of the meeting.
However, the language marks a clear signal that Burnham intends to pursue a closer relationship with the EU during his premiership.
UK-EU summit expected later this year
Burnham and Costa agreed that the next UK-EU summit, due to take place later this year, would provide a platform to continue work on improving relations.
Downing Street said both leaders underlined the need for ambition in the relationship and agreed that closer cooperation should extend beyond the defence and security links already developed.
Reuters reported that Burnham wants Britain to be more assertive in strengthening ties with the bloc, with the forthcoming summit expected to form an important part of that effort.
Labour continues post-Brexit reset
Labour has sought closer cooperation with the European Union since returning to government in 2024 while maintaining that Britain will remain outside the EU.
The relationship has included efforts to deepen cooperation on trade, defence and security, although negotiations over some areas have proved slower and more difficult than either side initially hoped.
Burnham’s remarks suggest his Government intends to push further in that direction, although Downing Street has not announced specific new concessions or changes to the UK’s existing post-Brexit arrangements.
Talks held en route to Kyiv
The meeting with Costa took place as Burnham travelled to Kyiv on his first overseas visit since becoming Prime Minister.
The two leaders agreed that their presence in Ukraine was an important demonstration of unity and solidarity with the country as it marked Independence Day during Russia’s continuing invasion.
They were also due to take part in a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, bringing together countries supporting Ukraine.
Burnham’s comments on the EU therefore came alongside discussions centred on European security, but his call for greater cooperation “across all areas of the relationship” gives the remarks a broader political significance for Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with Brussels.