British Prime Minister Andy Burnham assured this Saturday that the United Kingdom "has lost more than it has gained" since leaving the European Union (EU) in 2020, in a new criticism by the Labour leader of the decision by the previous Conservative governments to push for Brexit.
During his speech at the Welsh Labour Party conference, Burnham reiterated his intention to rebuild relations with Brussels and accused the Conservative Party of having "burned all the bridges" with the Community bloc after Brexit. He also defended that the country must be "willing to make difficult decisions to reduce the cost of living."
Along these lines, the head of the British Government indicated that he expects to close a new agreement with the EU next week to "reduce food prices," stressing that such a pact "will put more money in the pockets of British exporters," according to the British newspaper 'The Guardian'.
"I think we have lost more than we have gained over the last ten years and, in fact, I think the Conservatives gave Great Britain a harder and more severe Brexit than people thought they would get when they voted in 2016, because they burned all our bridges with the EU afterwards, so I am going to lead as prime minister on this issue, and I am going to try to get the best agreement possible for Wales, for those here who could benefit," the head of government reiterated.
The leader occupying Downing Street is due to meet with his European counterparts at a summit next week and has explained that he intends to close several agreements—including measures on food and agriculture, trade in emissions rights, and a youth mobility program—which, according to his calculations, could raise GDP by 0.4%, which would be equivalent to around 20,376 million euros. In addition, he pointed out that he will examine new options to redefine, in the long term, the link with Brussels.
In recent statements, Burnham admitted that he does not rule out a possible return to the single market, the customs union, or even "go all the way" with rejoining the EU. However, this Saturday he clarified that, ultimately, it will be the citizens "who call the shots" when it comes to endorsing any major change.
"And yes, we will work with the European Union , as I have already said, but at the same time we will respect the red lines of our election program and the result of the referendum. That is the spirit that I will maintain, friends, and that I will continue to push forward," the prime minister insisted.
In the last few weeks, the British Executive has sent out several signals of rapprochement with Brussels. At the beginning of this very week, the Cabinet minister responsible for negotiations with the EU, Hamish Falconer, said that London is willing to consider making a financial contribution to infrastructure projects in the poorest regions of the bloc, provided that in return access to the European electricity market is guaranteed.