Burnham eyes closer EU deal than 2016 Brexit promise

Burnham seeks win-win EU deal

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says a win-win agreement with the EU is possible and could be more like the Brexit people thought they were voting for in 2016.

“I believe there is a good deal to be done that could be a win-win for Britain and Europe.”

2019 Brexit was harder than expected

Burnham argues voters did not expect such a hard Brexit when they voted in 2016. The final deal was much harder than Theresa May's arrangement had been.

“I don't think people thought they were going to get a Brexit as hard as the one that finally came through at the end of 2019.”

Three treaties to finalise next week

Burnham is scheduled to meet European leaders in Brussels to finalise treaties covering food and agriculture, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme, which could boost GDP by zero point four percent.

Cameron says Brexit is not the problem

Lord David Cameron rejected Burnham's approach, saying the UK's low growth over the last decade has nothing to do with Brexit and reopening talks would be very long and painful.

Burnham disputes Cameron's claim

Burnham said Cameron is wrong. Treasury analysis shows that a good working arrangement on emissions trading and agri-food could add growth to the British economy.

“I would say the evidence says otherwise, and indeed the Treasury analysis says otherwise.”

Deal decision within seven days

Burnham said he would fight over the coming days to secure the deal. He stressed no one is talking about rejoin, only a deal for the next seven days.

“So just to finish, though, no one's talking about rejoin. This is a deal that is about the next seven days.”