Prime Minister Andy Burnham appears ready to agree to demands for reduced tuition fees for European Union students, a move that signals a potential shift in the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the bloc. This development comes as the administration plans a summit later this year aimed at resetting UK-EU ties.
Since the UK's departure from the EU, students from EU countries have been charged international fees ranging from £11,400 to £38,000 annually. This contrasts with the domestic rate of £9,535 for British students. Brussels has been advocating for EU students to pay the same lower domestic rate, as part of negotiations that also include a proposed "youth free movement" scheme.
Burnham, who previously expressed support for the UK rejoining the EU before later amending his stance, is reportedly open to offering fee discounts. This potential concession is seen as part of a broader strategy to ease trade barriers and strengthen other areas of cooperation.
During recent discussions, Burnham met with European Council President Antonio Costa on a train en route to Kyiv. According to a Downing Street readout, both leaders emphasized the importance of being "ambitious to drive a step change in relations." Burnham conveyed to Costa that the UK "had to be bolder in terms of getting closer to the bloc," highlighting the need to build on existing defense and security cooperation. The planned UK-EU summit was identified as a platform to advance this agenda.
In separate talks, Burnham and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden also acknowledged the significance of cultural and educational connections between the UK and Europe. Downing Street stated that they agreed on the importance of these ties in providing opportunities for younger generations in both the UK and Europe.