- Prime minister Andy Burnham is set to unveil a new trade deal with the European Union at a Brussels summit on November 20, estimated to boost UK GDP by 0.4 per cent.
- The proposed agreement will remove border checks on food and drink, establish a youth mobility scheme and strengthen defence cooperation with the bloc.
- Pro-EU campaigners have urged Mr Burnham to use the deal as a launch pad to build support within the Labour Party for eventually rejoining the EU.
- Despite maintaining manifesto red lines against rejoining the single market or restoring free movement, the summit could set the stage for future manifesto commitments.
- While business groups welcomed reduced friction for exports, some trade experts warned that dynamic alignment with EU regulations may increase costs for certain sectors.
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