- Prime minister Andy Burnham has indicated that Britain must be bolder in forging closer ties with the European Union, arguing that greater co-operation is required across all sectors.
- Speaking to European Council president Antonio Costa on a train journey to Kyiv, Mr Burnham emphasised that an upcoming UK-EU summit later this year will serve as a key platform to drive a step change in bilateral relations.
- During his visit to Ukraine for Independence Day, the prime minister agreed to supply the nation with technical blueprints to enable the domestic production of long-range missiles.
- Mr Burnham also met Luxembourg prime minister Luc Frieden to discuss strengthening cultural and educational ties aimed at delivering new opportunities for British and European youth.
- The approach continues the policy of closer EU alignment initiated by predecessor Sir Keir Starmer, despite Mr Burnham previously ruling out rejoining the bloc to avoid reigniting divisive Brexit debates.
