Listen: What can Europeans expect from the UK’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham?

Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network. EUobserver is proud to have an editorial partnership with Europod to co-publish the podcast series “Briefed” hosted by Léa Marchal. The podcast is available on all major platforms. Find the full transcript below: Since Brexit was finalised in 2021, the UK and the European Union have had clear rules governing their trade relations and cooperation. But that doesn’t mean all the debates are settled. Discussions are still taking place on agri-food trade, for example. The aim here is to make it easier for products to move between the two sides of the English Channel, despite phytosanitary standards that are no longer fully-aligned. There are also potential areas for cooperation in energy, as well as on the mobility of young workers. So, will Andy Burnham turn out to be an easy partner on all these issues? It’s difficult to say for now, as he has not yet taken a clear position on European affairs since taking office. All we know is that his government has no intention of rushing into a major rapprochement with the EU: at the end of July, UK trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds said that the debate over a possible customs union with the European Union should not be reopened. A topic that had been raised by the previous government. In other words, let's not expect a big enthusiasm to reopen all channels with the EU all of a sudden. But there are many other ways for the UK to move closer to the EU. Starting with alignment on the international stage. Faced with Russia, China and uncertainty over the US commitment to Europe, Europeans have every interest in being able to count on a UK that shares their priorities. Now, it’s true that Burnham did not visit any European country during his first month in office, unlike Keir Starmer. But for his first international trip, he chose to travel to Kyiv for the 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. On that occasion, he reaffirmed the UK’s “firm” support for Ukraine, even as Moscow accused the UK of delaying the end of the war by supporting Ukraine. This is already a positive sign for the so-called coalition of the willing, those countries that are strongly engaged in the support for Ukraine, and which the UK is part of. Then there is the industrial front, where the EU can hope for some openings. Among Burnham’s stated priorities for his country is the revival of British industry, particularly in the defence sector. And, like the Europeans, Burnham wants to promote local production more strongly. By local, he means British. But it could also mean “European”. There are two options here: If London develops its industrial and military capabilities while exclusively favouring British companies, Europeans could be left on the sidelines. But if European products are given the same preference as British ones, that could open up a major economic opportunity. All of that remains to be seen. In any case, for Europeans, the question may be less whether London will one day return to the EU… and more how far the UK will be willing to move closer to it without actually rejoining.