UK and EU Set Nov. 20 Brussels Summit as Burnham Pushes for Closer Ties

The United Kingdom and the European Union will hold a summit in Brussels on Nov. 20, the two sides confirmed Monday, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham argued that Britain must seek a closer relationship with its neighbors. The meeting is a first test of his push to strengthen ties years after Brexit.

The announcement came alongside a political row at home. Burnham said Russian attempts to interfere in European votes, including Britain's 2016 EU referendum, show why the status quo is not enough. Opponents rejected the claim about the referendum.

What Burnham is proposing

Burnham told the House of Commons that failing to seek stronger ties with the EU would be “a dereliction of duty,” according to both The Independent and ABC News. He said Britain should take a calm, clear-eyed look at the world as it is and consider what is best for the country.

He said the summit offers a chance to make progress on boosting growth and controlling illegal immigration. According to ABC News, he said the two sides will discuss a trade deal for food and drink, agreements on energy and emissions trading, a new youth experience scheme and deeper cooperation on immigration.

After the summit, Burnham said, Britain should open a serious dialogue about long-term options for the relationship. He said the public would be “the boss” at every stage and that opinion currently backs a pragmatic approach. ABC News reported that he told the Labour Party's conference last month that Brexit had done more harm than good, and that future options include rejoining the bloc.

European Council President Antonio Costa said in a statement that the EU and UK are like-minded partners whose security and prosperity are closely linked, according to The Independent.

The dispute over Russian interference

Burnham said on a podcast Sunday that when he became prime minister in July, he asked advisers whether Russia had interfered in the 2016 referendum and was told it had. ABC News reported that the government later clarified that any Russian attempts were unsuccessful. Burnham's spokesman, Tom Wells, said the government regards the referendum result as legitimate.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pressed Burnham in the Commons on what evidence he had. Burnham replied that it is a matter of record that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 election and that it is inconceivable that was the first time, ABC News reported. The Independent said Downing Street used similar language about the 2016 vote.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a leading Brexit backer, called the claim “outrageous” at a news conference Monday. He said there was no Russian interference and described the allegation as a hoax. ABC News noted that Russia has long denied meddling in other countries' elections and referendums. It added that UK lawmakers and intelligence agencies have warned of a growing threat of Russian interference in British democratic institutions.

What this means for Britain and the EU

For now, the practical agenda is narrow: food and drink trade, energy and emissions trading, a youth scheme and immigration cooperation. These are items on the table at the Nov. 20 summit, and no outcomes have been agreed.

The wider direction is less settled. ABC News reported that Burnham remains bound by the pledge of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, not to rejoin the EU's single market or customs union. It said that could change in campaigning for the next national election, which must be held by 2029. Both Conservative and Labour governments have avoided reopening the Brexit debate in recent years, according to ABC News.

The EU has welcomed Britain's warmer tone, ABC News reported, but its leaders are wary of UK attempts to win benefits reserved for members.

Why the summit was delayed

Reports differ on the reason. The Independent said the summit was postponed after Starmer resigned as prime minister. ABC News said it was originally due in July and was delayed by wrangling over the bloc's “made in Europe” rules, which Britain says will hurt its producers.

What happens next

Leaders will meet in Brussels on Nov. 20. Burnham has said his immediate priority is a successful outcome there, followed by a broader discussion of long-term options for the relationship.

Sources: The Independent, ABC News