Overview
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Commons that the post‑Brexit status quo is “not good enough” and announced a UK‑EU summit in Brussels to pursue specific agreements.
- The government has formally abandoned Labour’s long‑standing red lines on the single market, customs union and free movement while saying rejoining the EU is not the only option and there will be no second referendum.
- Downing Street says the November summit will aim for concrete deals on food and drink trade, a youth mobility scheme and an emissions‑trading arrangement as immediate steps to reduce trade friction.
- Conservative and Eurosceptic politicians accused Burnham of 'unpicking' the Brexit settlement and of revealing negotiating aims, while some EU leaders offered a welcoming tone toward closer ties.
- Burnham has also told ministers he was informed that Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum, a claim that has not been publicly substantiated and has prompted opposition calls for evidence.