Key facts
- The UK government plans to go 'further and faster' in rebuilding links with the European Union.
- EU relations minister Hamish Falconer stated the government's ambition is to conclude current talks on agri-food deals, emissions trading, and youth visas this year.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has instructed Falconer to seek closer ties with Europe.
- Key Brexit red lines around the single market, customs union, and freedom of movement will be maintained.
- Chancellor John Healey met with EU finance ministers to advocate for UK firms' inclusion in the 'Made in Europe' industrial agenda.
- European chambers of commerce urged the EU to include the UK in 'Made in Europe' plans.
The UK government, under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, intends to pursue a more ambitious strategy for improving relations with the European Union than its predecessor, Keir Starmer. Hamish Falconer, the EU relations minister, told delegates at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool that the government is focused on concluding ongoing talks regarding an agri-food deal, emissions trading, and youth visas within the year. Falconer indicated that Burnham views Europe as a critical issue and believes Brexit has not been successful, thus instructing him to seek closer ties with the EU.
Despite the ambition for a closer relationship, Falconer reiterated that the government will maintain key Brexit red lines, including remaining outside the single market, customs union, and freedom of movement.
Chancellor John Healey recently met with EU finance ministers in Dublin to advocate for the inclusion of UK companies in the EU's 'Made in Europe' industrial initiative. This initiative has raised concerns among UK officials, who are seeking assurances that British businesses will not be excluded from EU contracts. European chambers of commerce have also written to EU institutions, urging them not to treat the UK as a typical third country in the context of 'Made in Europe,' citing decades of cooperation and integrated supply chains.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also addressed the conference, emphasizing that the UK's future lies in a "stronger, deeper partnership with the European Union" across economics, defense, and security.