Prime Minister Andy Burnham is preparing to present a package of trade arrangements with the European Union that officials say are worth billions of pounds and form part of his campaign for a much closer post‑Brexit relationship with Brussels.
Government sources say three deals are all but settled. They include an agricultural accord intended to ease the flow of food produce to EU markets, measures on youth visas to expand mobility, and an emissions agreement aimed at aligning environmental standards between the UK and the bloc. Provisions on pet passports have also been included to simplify travel for people taking animals abroad.
The prime minister is due to meet his European counterparts in Brussels on 20 November, where officials expect the announcements to be made. Downing Street and EU representatives have framed the package as practical cooperation that would reduce friction for traders and travellers while addressing shared environmental concerns.
If implemented, the agricultural element would allow British farmers smoother access to continental markets, which ministers say could deliver significant economic benefits. The youth visa measures are intended to boost opportunities for young people to work and travel in Europe, and the pet passport arrangements would remove some current hurdles for owners travelling with animals.
Officials cautioned that while the deals are near completion, some technical details still need to be finalised and any agreements will require formal sign‑off by the parties involved. The announcements mark a notable diplomatic effort by Burnham to deepen ties with the EU after years of complex negotiations between the UK and the bloc.