By Joe Meighan - 

Andy Burnham’s statement that the UK needs to be “bolder” in its relationship with the EU is welcome. It is also a good way to frame the next UK–EU summit.

The reset so far has been a measured success. Relations are better. Trust has been rebuilt. There has been progress in areas where cooperation had become difficult after Brexit.

But what has often been missing is boldness and, at times, bravery. That applies to both sides.

The reset was built around British red lines. The conversation has often been about what the UK wants from Europe, followed by what it is not prepared to offer in return. That can only take us so far. The next summit should be different.

The UK should arrive ready to negotiate in good faith. That means accepting that worthwhile agreements involve concessions. Reports that the Government could consider home-fee status for EU students as part of a youth mobility agreement are a good example. If we want something meaningful from our European partners, we have to be prepared to put something meaningful on the table.

Perhaps it is time to borrow from Kennedy: let’s ask not only what Europe can do for Britain, but what Britain can do for Europe.

That should apply across the relationship. On defence and security, energy, trade, youth mobility, education and the movement of people, Britain has a lot to offer. We should approach these talks as a European country with a stake in making our continent stronger, safer and more prosperous.

The EU should be prepared to think boldly too. A closer relationship will require flexibility and political courage in Brussels as well as London.

Burnham’s words suggest a change in approach. We welcome it.

The next step is to put that boldness into practice. Britain should go to the summit ready not just to ask for a better relationship with Europe, but to help build the Europe we want to be part of. A first step in that direction could be the concession that, in a Burnham administration, the red lines are at least in pencil not ink.