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Labour seeking ‘deeper relationship’ with EU under Burnham, new minister says

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A new UK minister stated that a Labour government under Andy Burnham would pursue a closer relationship with the EU.
  • The minister, Hamish Falconer, indicated ambition within Labour's existing red lines, which exclude rejoining the single market or customs union.
  • Falconer will explore the 'art of the possible' in post-Brexit talks to achieve a 'sense of renewed pace' in UK-EU relations.

The United Kingdom is poised to seek a more ambitious relationship with the European Union, according to a new minister.

room to be ambitious

— Hamish Falconeron the scope for deepening UK-EU ties within Labour's red lines

Hamish Falconer, appointed as the chief negotiator for EU reset talks under a potential Andy Burnham government, expressed a desire for a "sense of renewed pace" in post-Brexit discussions. He believes there is "room to be ambitious" while adhering to Labour's established red lines, which preclude rejoining the single market or customs union.

sense of renewed pace

— Hamish Falconerregarding the desired speed of post-Brexit talks

Falconer stated his intention to explore the "art of the possible" in these negotiations. This suggests a strategic approach to enhancing ties with the EU, focusing on areas where common ground can be found without fundamentally altering the current economic framework. The emphasis is on pragmatic progress and a more proactive engagement with European partners.

art of the possible

— Hamish Falconeron his approach to future negotiations with the EU
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.