Andy Burnham scrambled to revive his EU ‘reset’ today as Brussels plays hardball on trade and free movement.
The PM met his Irish counterpart Micheál Martin at so-called ‘No10 North’ in Manchester this morning.
The leaders discussed the planned EU-UK summit – which has been delayed from July.
Despite speculation the event might not happen until 2027 Mr Burnham suggested it would be ‘later this year’, adding that he wanted to ‘take further steps to deepen the relationship with Europe’.
Meanwhile, Chancellor John Healey is joining EU finance ministers in Dublin, where he will urge them not to shut the UK out of a protectionist ‘Made in Europe’ scheme.
Mr Burnham has told European leaders he has ‘ambitions’ for getting closer ties with the bloc, and previously used to argue for rejoining.
However, talks have run into the same obstacles as under Keir Starmer, with Brussels adamant Britain would have to accept EU rules and contribute financially to reduce friction at borders.
There are tensions over a proposed youth free movement scheme and demands for students to get discounted tuition fees in England.
Andy Burnham is meeting his Irish counterpart Micheál Martin at so-called ‘No10 North’ in Manchester
So far the Government has insisted it will not break ‘red lines’ on rejoining the single market and customs union, despite pressure from unions and Labour MPs.
As he was welcomed by Mr Burnham, Mr Martin said: ‘We look forward to discussing with you even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which will be of benefit to the European Union and indeed to Ireland, quite frankly.’
Mr Burnham said: ‘The relationship between the UK and Ireland matters so much on every single level.
‘Close to home, as co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement, we are working together to uphold its principles as we approach the 30th anniversary next year.
‘In Europe, we are looking forward to a UK-EU summit later this year and, with Ireland in the presidency, wanting to take further steps to deepen the relationship with Europe.’
Mr Burnham said: ‘Here in the North West, but across the UK, so many people have Irish connections and they will be so pleased to see you with us today.
‘So you are extremely welcome.
‘I’m really pleased that you’re our first visitor here.’
Ahead of their meeting today, Mr Martin said it was an opportunity to ‘inject further momentum’ into the partnership between the two governments.
Issues up for discussion will include addressing the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The Taoiseach added: ‘We will also discuss how best to work in partnership to sustain the overall success of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts in the time ahead.
‘Our discussions will also cover EU and international issues, including Ireland’s current presidency of the Council of the EU and the next EU-UK Summit, and the situation in Ukraine, Gaza and the Middle East more broadly.’
The Labour Government is expected publish its planned changes to the Troubles legacy bill next month.
Labour introduced the Bill to replace the previous Tory government’s Legacy Act, elements of which were deemed in court judgments to be incompatible with human rights commitments.
Labour’s Bill, agreed as part of a joint framework with the Irish Government, will put in place a reformed Legacy Commission with enhanced powers.
A number of the Stormont parties met with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant on the Legacy Bill earlier this week.
Speaking after his meeting with Mr Burnham on Friday, Mr Martin said: ‘This is a really concrete and substantial agreement which will mean a lot to the survivors, to the families of victims, families who lost loved ones.
‘The British and Irish governments have been working hard on this over the last number of years.
‘We have managed to completely reframe it through good negotiation.
‘Notwithstanding challenges, I think this would be a real significant step forward in reconciliation on the island of Ireland.’
Chancellor John Healey was due to join EU finance ministers in Dublin, where he was set to urge them not to shut the UK out of a protectionist ‘Made in Europe’ scheme
At the Ecofin meeting, Mr Healey was set to warn that the ‘Made in Europe’ procurement drive should not ‘erect new barriers’ with the UK. The scheme is intended to protect the continent’s manufacturing from global competition, especially from China.
The Chancellor was also due to tell his counterparts it is important to ‘learn lessons’ after the collapse of talks on the prospect of the UK joining the EU defence loans scheme, security action for Europe (Safe).
Mr Healey said: ‘The next chapter of Britain’s growth story will be written in more places.
‘To me, closer ties with the EU means British businesses – wherever they are based across the UK – get better access to both the supply chains and the customers they need to grow.’
Mr Burnham told French president Emmanuel Macron earlier this month that the ‘buy European’ programme ‘could pose significant challenges’ for UK industries, including steel.
