PM to say 'Brexit hasn't worked' and set out conditions for future EU deal in major speech

The prime minister will call for a reset of Britain's relationship with Europe ahead of Friday's UK-EU summit - and assert that "the Brexit we were given has not worked".

In a major speech on foreign policy on Monday evening, Andy Burnham will tell the Lord Mayor's Banquet that the UK was left with a needlessly hard Brexit, which created barriers for businesses and damaged its economic potential.

He will also set out three tests for any future agreement - it must be consistent with the government's manifesto and its red lines, improve on the original Brexit deal, and deliver tangible improvements in people's everyday lives.

The PM is expected to say: "It's like the emperor's new clothes - where no one is prepared to say the obvious truth. Well, I say it as I see it. And to be frank, the emperor has nothing on.

"The Brexit we were given has not worked. We have lost more than we gained."

He will add: "And look - the point is that this is a win-win.

"It illustrates our new approach. Not adversarial. No longer burning bridges. But being constructive and positive - showing that we can come together to confront shared challenges."

At the UK-EU summit next week, Mr Burnham will seek to lock in mini deals on food, emissions trading and youth mobility.

Refusing a deal which crosses any manifesto red lines would rule out a return to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.

However, Mr Burnham has said he wants to explore options for Britain's longer-term relationship with the bloc.

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Deputy Conservative leader Alex Burghart claimed the PM's focus on the EU was a tactic to distract from rising welfare costs and questions about defence funding.

He said: "British taxpayers deserve to know why money is being committed to projects across Europe when this Government claims it cannot afford to address priorities at home.

"A Conservative government would work to take this country forwards, not backwards."

(c) Sky News 2026: PM to say 'Brexit hasn't worked' and set out conditions for future EU deal in major speech