Will Andy Burnham bring the UK closer to the European Union?

• Prime minister Andy Burnham has indicated that Britain must be bolder in forging closer ties with the European Union , arguing that greater co-operation is required across all sectors.
• Speaking to European Council president Antonio Costa on a train journey to Kyiv , Mr Burnham emphasised that an upcoming UK -EU summit later this year will serve as a key platform to drive a step change in bilateral relations.
• During his visit to Ukraine for Independence Day, the prime minister agreed to supply the nation with technical blueprints to enable the domestic production of long-range missiles.
• Mr Burnham also met Luxembourg prime minister Luc Frieden to discuss strengthening cultural and educational ties aimed at delivering new opportunities for British and European youth.
• The approach continues the policy of closer EU alignment initiated by predecessor Sir Keir Starmer , despite Mr Burnham previously ruling out rejoining the bloc to avoid reigniting divisive Brexit debates.