Andy Burnham looks poised to bow to EU demands for cut-price student tuition fees as he pledges ‘bolder’ moves to restore ties.
The PM told European leaders he had ‘ambitions’ for a summit intended to ‘reset’ relations later this year.
He talked up the importance of ‘cultural and educational’ links in the talks.
Since Brexit, EU students in the UK have been charged higher international fees of between £11,400 and £38,000 a year.
This is compared to the lower domestic rate for British students of £9,535 a year.
Brussels has been demanding the same charges as domestic students in months of wrangling with Keir Starmer‘s administration. The terms would go alongside a ‘youth free movement’ scheme.
Andy Burnham held talks with European Council president Antonio Costa (right) on the train to Kyiv overnight
No10 said Mr Burnham and Luxembourg PM Luc Frieden (right) ‘agreed on the important cultural and educational ties between the UK and Europe to deliver opportunity for the next generation of Brits and Europeans’
Mr Burnham – who previously called for Britain to rejoin the EU before backtracking – is said to be ready to agree discounts as part of a wider easing of trade barriers.
The premier held talks with European Council president Antonio Costa on the train to Kyiv overnight.
A Downing Street readout of the discussions said the leaders ‘underlined the importance of being ambitious to drive a step change in relations’.
Mr Burnham told Mr Costa ‘the UK had to be bolder in terms of getting closer to the bloc’.
‘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 readout added.
‘The UK-EU summit set to be held later this year, would offer a platform to continue that work, the leaders agreed.’
Giving details of separate talks with Luxembourg PM Luc Frieden, No10 said they ‘agreed on the important cultural and educational ties between the UK and Europe to deliver opportunity for the next generation of Brits and Europeans’.
