- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed Canada become the European Union 's first associate member amid trade tensions with Donald Trump .
- The initiative would see Canada and the EU cooperate across key sectors such as manufacturing, artificial intelligence, energy, and critical minerals.
- Former minister Nick Boles and pro-EU campaigners have urged the UK to follow Canada's example and explore associate membership with the bloc.
- Campaigners argue that closer relations with the EU could help protect the UK economy from the global fallout of Trump's trade tariffs.
- Andy Burnham is facing calls to reset ties with Brussels to mitigate Brexit-related economic damage and secure a broader strategic alliance.
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