Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering cutting tuition fees for European Union students at British universities as part of a broader “Brexit reset” deal, according to his spokesman. The Labour leader is aiming to secure access to European trade and youth mobility schemes in exchange for the concession, which would require Brussels to open its “Made in Europe” scheme to British firms.
Speaking ahead of the EU-UK summit later this year, Burnham said the UK and the bloc needed to be “bolder” in bringing the two sides closer, adding that such a move could “drive a step-change in relations”. The Makerfield MP hinted he would be ready to offer cut-price tuition fees for EU students as part of a mobility scheme for under-30s.
Government response and negotiation stance
The Prime Minister’s spokesman declined to comment on the details of ongoing negotiations, stating: “We won’t comment on ongoing negotiations as the new government takes stock of our position ahead of the EU-UK summit later this year.” The spokesman added: “We are building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will strengthen our economy and unlock growth in every postcode.”
The news emerged during Burnham’s first foreign visit, to Kyiv in Ukraine, where he met leaders from Spain and Luxembourg. During the trip, he urged Ukraine’s allies to provide more Patriot interceptor missiles, saying the country “needs more help to protect its people right now.”
Kyiv visit and coalition of the willing
Speaking in Kyiv as he chaired his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, the prime minister said the coalition was “doing everything we can all do and working with our allies outside of this coalition to dig into our own stocks and help others dig into their stocks”. He joined almost a dozen other European leaders, including European Council President António Costa, to mark 35 years since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union.
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Ukrainian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, told the Guardian of Burnham’s visit: “For us, it’s hugely symbolic and important. It illustrates that for the UK Ukraine remains a top priority. You are an important bridge and have rectified the situation whenever we have a crisis in our relations with the US. Your king is a valuable diplomatic tool and puts in a good word for us with Trump.”
