Andy Burnham told the Commons that Britain could not be content with the present relationship with the European Union as he announced a summit in Brussels on 20 November. The Prime Minister set out five priorities for negotiation: food and drink trade, emissions trading, energy cooperation, youth mobility and immigration cooperation.
He said a closer relationship was necessary for growth, migration control, Britain’s values and security. “If we are serious about promoting growth, controlling migration, upholding our values and our security, it is a conversation we must have,” Burnham said.
The government projects that the proposed agreements could add more than £10 billion annually to the British economy by 2040.
Burnham said lower barriers affecting British produce could ease pressure on supermarket prices. He also said an energy agreement could reduce wholesale energy costs in Northern Ireland by 20%.
Food and drink trade, emissions trading and energy cooperation are expected to be on the summit agenda, alongside a youth mobility scheme, described in the expected discussions as a youth experience scheme, and deeper cooperation on immigration.
Burnham said he would use a “pragmatic approach” where closer cooperation could benefit Britain. He told MPs: “At every stage, the British public will be the boss, and I am clear that public opinion currently supports a pragmatic approach like the one I am suggesting”.
He said it would be a dereliction of duty to pass up the chance to seek better terms with Brussels. “It is in Britain's interests to secure a deal, and I will work hard over the next five weeks to achieve it,” he said.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said the government had shown its negotiating hand too early. She also accused ministers of unpicking the existing Brexit agreement.
“The PM is 'not going to get a better deal' as the EU 'are tough negotiators',” Badenoch said.
Edward Leigh, a Conservative MP, warned that the talks could be difficult and could produce a worse deal.
Industry has raised a separate concern about the EU’s protectionist “Made in Europe” initiative, fearing its trade rules could exclude UK manufacturers. Burnham said he would raise those concerns in the negotiations.
The Brussels meeting is due to begin the negotiations on 20 November. Whether either side will accept the proposals remains to be settled.
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