Andy Burnham's government has confirmed it will sign three agreements with the European Union, including a revival of pet passports that would mark a major first since Brexit. The Prime Minister is set to meet EU chiefs, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, at a key summit in Brussels on November 20.
Pet Passports to Return Under Agricultural Deal
According to reports from The Times and The Guardian, pet owners are likely to get easier access to the EU for their animals for the first time since Brexit. The change would see travellers able to bring their dogs, cats, and ferrets into EU territory for the duration of their lifetime without the need for expensive certificates and medical treatments for each trip.
This is one of three agreements Mr Burnham is set to sign with Brussels negotiators at the EU-UK summit later in the month, alongside a deal on emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme.
Food and Agriculture Deal Almost Finalised
A separate food and agriculture deal is also almost finalised, according to reports. The BBC reports that a draft text has been circulated among the 27 EU members.
Mr Burnham says that the Treasury had confirmed in recent days that the agreements under negotiation could raise GDP by 0.4%, up from the previous estimate of 0.3%.
Burnham Responds to Critics
The Prime Minister claimed that the public will expect him to grab 'with both hands' that opportunity to boost economic growth through closer trade ties with the EU. Speaking to broadcasters during a Commonwealth summit in Antigua, Mr Burnham said: "What's facing me two weeks on Friday is a UK-EU summit where I have the opportunity to add to UK growth."
"It's estimated up to 0.4% extra on GDP. I think people in Britain would expect me to take that with both hands, given where we've been in recent times, and that's what I'm doing."
Meanwhile, Mr Burnham appeared to hit back at Kemi Badenoch. The Tory leader has warned him against reopening debates about Brexit. "Those who are making the argument over 'oh my goodness, don't open up this psychodrama' are misreading the public mood in my view," Mr Burnham told The Economist.
