The Japan Times - 'Status quo' with EU 'not good enough', UK PM says as summit date set

In a speech to MPs in parliament, Burnham said next month's long-awaited meeting would be an opportunity to start "serious dialogue" about "long term" relations between the UK and the bloc.

"Sticking with the status quo is not good enough for Britain," said the Labour premier, claiming a deal struck by the right-wing Conservative Party after Britons narrowly voted to leave the bloc in 2016 had failed the country.

"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," he added.

Burnham, in office since July, and European Council boss Antonio Costa announced separately that the summit will take place in Brussels on November 20.

It had been due to be held this summer but was postponed after Labour MPs ousted Keir Starmer from Downing Street and replaced him with Burnham.

Burnham said the summit "presents an opportunity to make progress on two crucial issues: boosting UK growth and controlling illegal immigration".

"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," he added, stressing that he was not proposing a new EU referendum.

The two sides have been negotiating a new post-Brexit food and drink deal, a youth mobility scheme and an agreement on emissions tradings.

The EU's "Made in Europe" plans to protect certain industries has been a sticking point.

Burnham is currently bound by Starmer's 2024 election-winning manifesto which ruled out joining a customs union, going back into the single market or allowing the return of freedom of movement with the EU.

He is not expected to call a general election until 2029.

Opposition parties have accused Burnham of trying to betray the Brexit vote after suggesting that his centre-left Labour government could propose membership of the bloc as one of the options for the future relationship.

K.Hashimoto--JT