Brexit betrayal fears grow as Burnham vows to be ‘bolder’ in bringing Britain closer to the EU

ANDY Burnham sparked fears of a Brexit betrayal yesterday as he promised to be “bolder” in bringing Britain closer to the EU. He told European Council chief Antonio Costa the UK must seek “greater co-operation” with Brussels across all areas as the pair both visited Kyiv. Andy Burnham meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa aboard a train headed to Kyiv Credit: PA Priti Patel accused Mr Burnham of wanting to reopen old wounds by fighting the battles of the Brexit years all over again Credit: The Times The PM ruled out rejoining but previously said he wanted to see Britain back inside the EU in his lifetime. His comments come ahead of a delayed UK-EU summit set to take place later this year, aimed at delivering a “step change” in relations. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Downing Street said: “Turning to the UK’s relationship with the European Union, the two leaders underlined the importance of being ambitious to drive a step change in relations. “The UK had to be bolder in terms of getting closer to the bloc, the Prime Minister said.” Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel accused Mr Burnham of wanting to reopen old wounds by fighting the battles of the Brexit years all over again. Ms Patel said: “Labour should be focused on reversing the terrible damage done by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. “Their tax rises and red tape have hammered business, destroyed jobs and driven bills up for hardworking families. “Instead of trying to take our country back to 2016, he should lay out a coherent, costed plan to take Britain forwards.” Most read in The Sun The PM blasted Brexit as “damaging” in his by-election campaign in June but warned against re-running the old arguments. Reform said: “The British people voted to leave not slowly hand back powers to Brussels bureaucrats.” Mr Burnham visited war-torn Ukraine after Britain agreed to hand Kyiv blueprints to long-range missiles. Comment now