Burnham scrambles to revive EU reset bid

Andy Burnham scrambled to revive his EU 'reset' bid today as Brussels plays hardball on trade and free movement.

Meeting with Irish PM at No10 North

The PM met his Irish counterpart Micheál Martin at so-called 'No10 North' in Manchester this morning.

Delayed EU-UK summit

The leaders discussed the planned EU-UK summit - which has been delayed from July.

Burnham's timeline for summit

Despite speculation the event might not happen until 2027 Mr Burnham suggested it would be 'later this year'.

Burnham's deeper ties goal

Adding that he wanted to 'take further steps to deepen the relationship with Europe'.

Chancellor Healey's EU meeting

Chancellor John Healey is joining EU finance ministers in Dublin, where he will urge them not to shut the UK out of a protectionist 'Made in Europe' scheme.

Burnham's EU ambitions

Burnham has told European leaders he has 'ambitions' for getting closer ties with the bloc, and previously used to argue for rejoining.

Brussels' border demands

However, talks have run into the same obstacles as under Keir Starmer, with Brussels adamant Britain would have to accept EU rules and contribute financially to reduce friction at borders.

Youth free movement tensions

There are tensions over a proposed youth free movement scheme and demands for students to get discounted tuition fees in England.

Burnham's welcome to Martin

As he was welcomed by Mr Burnham, Mr Martin said: 'We look forward to discussing with you even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which will be of benefit to the European Union and indeed to Ireland, quite frankly.'

“We look forward to discussing with you even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which will be of benefit to the European Union and indeed to Ireland, quite frankly.”

Burnham's local ties

Burnham said: 'The relationship between the UK and Ireland matters so much on every single level. Close to home, as co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement, we are working together to uphold its principles as we approach the 30th anniversary next year.'

Burnham's regional appeal

Burnham said: 'In Europe, we are looking forward to a UK-EU summit later this year and, with Ireland in the presidency, wanting to take further steps to deepen the relationship with Europe.'

Burnham's local welcome

Burnham said: 'Here in the North West, but across the UK, so many people have Irish connections and they will be so pleased to see you with us today. So you are extremely welcome. I'm really pleased that you're our first visitor here.'

Martin's momentum goal

Ahead of their meeting today, Mr Martin said it was an opportunity to 'inject further momentum' into the partnership between the two governments.

Legacy bill discussions

The Labour Government is expected publish its planned changes to the Troubles legacy bill next month.

Legacy bill details

Labour introduced the Bill to replace the previous Tory government's Legacy Act, elements of which were deemed in court judgments to be incompatible with human rights commitments.

Legacy bill reformed

Labour's Bill, agreed as part of a joint framework with the Irish Government, will put in place a reformed Legacy Commission with enhanced powers.

Stormont meetings

A number of the Stormont parties met with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant on the Legacy Bill earlier this week.

Martin's legacy bill praise

Speaking after his meeting with Burnham on Friday, Mr Martin said: 'This is a really concrete and substantial agreement which will mean a lot to the survivors, to the families of victims, families who lost loved ones.'

“This is a really concrete and substantial agreement which will mean a lot to the survivors, to the families of victims, families who lost loved ones.”

Martin's reconciliation goal

Martin said: 'The British and Irish governments have been working hard on this over the last number of years. We have managed to completely reframe it through good negotiation. Notwithstanding challenges, I think this would be a real significant step forward in reconciliation on the island of Ireland.'