UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled a more ambitious stance towards the European Union, telling European Council President António Costa that Britain must be "bolder" in rebuilding its relationship with the bloc. The two leaders met on a train to Kyiv on Sunday evening, travelling together to mark Ukraine's Independence Day on Monday.
According to a Downing Street spokeswoman, Burnham told Costa that the UK needed to push for closer ties with the EU, building on the strong defence and security cooperation already established between London and European allies. "That included building on the close defence and security ties already forged between the UK and European Allies to drive greater cooperation across all areas of the relationship," the prime minister said.
The two leaders also agreed that the UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year would provide a platform to continue this work, the spokeswoman added.
From Brexit reset to bolder ambition
Burnham's comments come as the UK seeks to move beyond the divisive politics of the 2016 Brexit referendum. His predecessor, Keir Starmer, had begun a "reset" of relations with Brussels in 2025, pledging to place Britain "at the heart of Europe" and to cut red tape and bureaucracy. However, progress has been slow, with a proposed youth mobility scheme proving particularly contentious.
Talks on the reset were due to continue in July, but a planned summit was postponed after Starmer's resignation. Burnham, who took office in July, has previously called for the UK to rejoin the EU, but he distanced himself from those comments during the Makerfield by-election campaign earlier this year.
Speaking in May, Burnham said: "My view is that Brexit has been damaging. But I also believe the last thing we should do right now is re-run those arguments." He has since maintained that the priority is to make the current relationship work better, rather than reopen old debates.
Analysts see Burnham's approach as a blend of pragmatism and political caution. While he has not abandoned the goal of closer integration, he is careful not to alienate voters who supported Brexit. His EU reset strategy appears designed to deliver tangible benefits without triggering a fresh constitutional crisis.
First international trip as PM
The Kyiv visit marks Burnham's first international trip as prime minister. In a speech delivered from the Ukrainian capital on Monday, he reiterated Britain's unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion. "We are with you in this struggle all the way heart and soul," he said. "And as prime minister, let me say that I am with you personally."
Burnham also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit. The two leaders discussed defence cooperation, with Burnham expressing support for local missile production in Ukraine, a move that could bolster Kyiv's long-term self-sufficiency.
The trip underscores the UK's dual focus on European security and its post-Brexit relationship with the EU. By choosing Kyiv as his first destination, Burnham signals that defence and geopolitical stability remain central to his foreign policy agenda.
Observers note that the UK's role in European security could serve as a bridge to deeper cooperation with the EU. The bloc has increasingly prioritised defence integration, and Britain's military capabilities are seen as a valuable asset. Burnham's message to Costa suggests he intends to leverage this common ground to advance the broader relationship.
However, challenges remain. The EU has insisted on a level playing field in trade and regulatory matters, while the UK seeks greater autonomy. The youth mobility scheme, which would allow young people to live and work across borders, has been a sticking point, with both sides struggling to find common ground.
As the UK and EU prepare for their summit later this year, Burnham's bolder rhetoric may signal a shift in tone, but concrete outcomes will depend on the willingness of both parties to compromise. For now, the prime minister appears determined to keep the door open to closer ties, even as he navigates the political sensitivities at home.
