Andy Burnham, the Labour leader, has reiterated his criticism of Brexit, stating that the 2016 vote has contributed to a "decade of low growth" in Britain. During Prime Minister's Questions, Burnham announced his intention to leverage an upcoming summit with European Union leaders to advance efforts aimed at bringing the UK into closer alignment with the bloc, building on work initiated by his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
Burnham's remarks in the House of Commons addressed specific concerns related to British farming and steel manufacturing, areas he identified as needing attention in potential new arrangements with the EU. He framed these issues within the context of a request from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to rejoin the single market, using the opportunity to critique the Conservative government's handling of the economy.
"It is clear the decade of low growth has partly been the result of Brexit and the sooner the party opposite (The Tories) accepts that the more we can start to face up to Britain's future and where we go from here," Burnham told Sir Ed. He added, "I do want a closer relationship, I will build on the work of my predecessor... It is imperative that we work hard to get a good deal for British steel, for British farming, as part of that new deal he talks about."
This latest statement follows Burnham's comments from the previous day, where he attributed many of the UK's challenges to "a series of wrong turns" dating back to the 1980s, including austerity measures and Brexit, asserting that "Britain is not where any of us would wish it to be."
The Labour leader is preparing for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in London. The two leaders and their spouses are scheduled to attend a private viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum with the King and Queen.
The European Union has recently implemented regulations to protect its member states' steel industries, a move prompted by concerns over global overproduction impacting the bloc's market. These regulations cap tariff-free import volumes and impose significant tariffs on volumes exceeding the limit. The UK government has also reduced its tariff-free quota for steel imports, with higher tariffs applied to volumes above the new threshold.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Ed Davey had urged the Prime Minister to consider rejoining the single market, arguing that it was the necessary step to foster economic growth and address the cost-of-living crisis. Burnham responded by affirming his agreement with the analysis that Brexit has been a contributing factor to the current economic climate. He emphasized the need for a closer relationship with Europe and the importance of securing favorable terms for British industries within any new agreements.