UK Prime Minister Burnham says he intends to move closer to the EU — Cyprus Mail
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said during a telephone conversation with Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides that the country intends to continue moving closer to the European Union. The conversation took place six and a half years after the United Kingdom left the EU.
Conversation with the President of Cyprus
As Cyprus Mail reports, Burnham emphasized the strong historical ties between the United Kingdom and Cyprus, including the two countries’ cooperation regarding the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.
According to the British prime minister’s office, Burnham thanked Cyprus for supporting the development of relations between the United Kingdom and the EU during the country’s presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of the year. He also outlined Britain’s intention to continue moving closer to the European Union.
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The interlocutors discussed the situation in the Middle East. Burnham said there was a need to work with partners to de-escalate the situation in the region and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He and Christodoulides also expressed hope of meeting in person as soon as possible.
Government’s “red lines”
At the same time, according to the publication, it remains unclear what specific steps the British government plans to take to move closer to the EU. Last month, a government spokesperson, quoted by The Independent newspaper, said that the authorities were adhering to the “red lines” set out in the election manifesto.
According to the spokesperson, the United Kingdom does not plan to rejoin the EU, return to the customs union or the single market, or restore freedom of movement. At the same time, the Prospect trade union for scientists and engineers submitted a resolution to the British Trades Union Congress calling for the pursuit of “the deepest possible partnership with the EU” and for no cooperation options to be ruled out.
