Andy Burnham says Conservatives have "burned all of our bridges" with EU after Brexit

Manchester mayor and Labour leader Andy Burnham told a Welsh Labour conference that the Conservative government had "burned all of our bridges" with the European Union in the aftermath of Brexit, adding that the country had "lost more than we’ve gained over the last 10 years." He said the party must "listen" and "take stock" after a major defeat in the recent Senedd election.

Burnham argued that any future work with the EU should respect the manifesto's red lines and the 2016 referendum outcome, emphasizing the need for Wales to be treated as an equal partner. He highlighted potential benefits for Welsh farmers, shellfish exporters and lamb producers from a better deal with the bloc.

Rishi Sunak is scheduled to meet EU leaders in Brussels next week to sign agreements that the government says could raise GDP by 0.4 percent, covering food and farming, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme.

Former Downing Street adviser Lord Cameron, who resigned after the 2016 vote, warned that discussions about rejoining the EU would be "very long and painful" and could undermine efforts to secure a stronger partnership. He urged the UK to focus on being a "best friend, best neighbour, best partner" rather than flirting with rejoining the bloc.