Andy Burnham has said closer ties with the EU would boost Scottish businesses and help grow the UK economy. The Prime Minister told MPs that rules imposed as a result of Brexit currently cost £100m a year in lost Scottish salmon exports, while seed potatoes grown in Scotland are completely banned.
Public to be the 'boss' in EU renegotiation
But the Labour leader said the British public will ultimately be the “boss” at every stage of renegotiating the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
Speaking ahead of a summit between the UK and the EU, Burnham said: "If we are serious about promoting growth, controlling immigration, upholding our values and security, it is a conversation we must have.
"Sticking with the status quo is not good enough for Britain. Worse, it would be a major dereliction of duty to turn away. We need to take a calm, clear-eyed, rational look at the world as it is today to consider what is best for our country.
"Our immediate priority is securing a successful outcome at the summit, and I believe we should then set up a serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long-term.
"At every stage, the British public will be the boss, and I am clear that public opinion currently supports a pragmatic approach like the one I am suggesting."
Deals could add £10bn a year to UK economy
And he said deals on the table for the UK-EU summit could provide a £10 billion-a-year boost to the British economy. But he acknowledged there could be a row with Brussels over the protectionist “Made in Europe” scheme.
He told MPs: "This summit presents an opportunity to make progress on two crucial issues: boosting UK growth and controlling illegal immigration.
"On the table is a trade deal on food and drink products, a deal on emissions trading, progress towards linking our energy systems, a new youth experience scheme and deeper co-operation on immigration.
"The summit will also be an opportunity to raise our concerns about Made in Europe and it is clear to me that there is an opportunity to make progress in all of these areas.
"Together, these deals will add the equivalent of over £10 billion per year to the UK economy by 2040, with the potential to add significantly more."
Lib Dems back Burnham's calls
The Lib Dems have backed Burnham's calls for greater integration with Europe.
Susan Murray, MP for East Dunbartonshire, said: "Government after government has turned a blind eye to the huge damage caused by the Johnson-Farage Brexit deal. It's good to hear Andy Burnham acknowledge that Brexit has done more harm than good, and that our most important international relationship must be repaired.
"The Liberal Democrats have set out a concrete plan to join the single market and customs union. Doing so would enable us to grow the economy and put money back in people's pockets with tax cuts while also strengthening our defences.
"The prime minister should drop Labour’s red lines and take up our plan now. Every day and month we delay starting serious talks with the EU, we do more damage to our economy.
"Let's restore our trading links, tear down new barriers like Made in Europe and give our country the boost people and businesses are crying out for."
