Burnham to offer cheap fees to EU students in return for access to post-Brexit scheme

Burnham to offer cheap fees to EU students in return for access to post-Brexit scheme Move is the first step in prime minister’s plans to become closer to the EU - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The UK could spend up to £450m a year on cheaper university fees for EU students in return for access to the bloc’s post-Brexit new Made in Europe industrial programme. Fees could be slashed to the level British students pay, with institutions compensated for the loss of income, as part of an offer put forward at a crunch ‘reset’ summit this month. The meeting will be the first step in Andy Burnham’s plans to become closer to the EU, after the PM did not rule out a future referendum on membership. The government fears the UK could be hit by the Made in Europe plan, intended in part to protect European industry from cheap, high-quality, Chinese goods such as electric vehicles (EVs). On Sunday the former chancellor Rachel Reeves praised Mr Burnham, as she warned Brexit has made the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure”. The Russell Group of leading UK research universities estimates a move to ‘home fees’ could cost the sector more than £500m. The move could prove controversial with pro-Brexit supporters and graduates calling for changes to their own student loan repayments. Ministers hope the move could unlock millions of pounds’ worth of benefits for British companies trading in the EU. Mr Burnham has called for the UK to be a “trusted partner” in the scheme. Last month he said: "We are making the argument: we are not your enemies here... we are not the problem. "Let's work towards a trusted partner approach that doesn't cause a problem where there wasn't a problem and where we have common cause." He also declined to rule out putting a pledge to rejoin the EU in Labour’s next manifesto. Soon after, The Independent revealed that Mr Bunham was going to edge Labour closer to rejoining the EU, with ministers saying that it was now a question of “how it is expressed in the manifesto, rather than if”. The UK government said: “We are building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will strengthen our economy, protect British industry and create more opportunities for young people across the UK.” Writing in The Sunday Times, Ms Reeves said she accepted there was a “debate to be had” about the UK’s future in the EU, but that she believes the country’s future ultimately lies within the bloc. “I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union,” she wrote. “Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure. There is a debate to be had about our future relationship with Europe, and I welcome Andy Burnham’s leadership in facing up to this. No one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. “I do believe Britain’s future lies in the European Union. However, it is incumbent on supporters of our re-entry to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right – especially ahead of the UK-EU summit later this month, where at a minimum we should be looking for confirmation of the ambitious youth mobility scheme negotiated earlier this year, and – I hope – progress towards entry into the SAFE defence partnership.” The comments make Ms Reeves one of the most prominent Labour figures to speak out explicitly in support of rejoining the EU, despite being part of a government that made a manifesto pledge not to reverse Brexit. As prime minister, Andy Burnham looks at the way ahead for Britain's relationship with Europe, The Independent has been leading the charge, campaigning to secure the absolute best deal for Britain. Become an Independent member for just £1 for six months and join a like-minded community of thousands signed up to our Europe: The Way Back campaign. Benefits - Free weekly newsletter: Every Wednesday, political editor David Maddox and political correspondent Millie Cooke will be in your inbox with exclusive reporting, analysis and insight on the biggest developments shaping relations between Britain and Europe. Each week, they will explain what’s happened, what it means, and what the key political figures, experts and decision-makers are saying about it. - Essential continental updates: Stay informed with regular briefings on the biggest developments in European politics and the specific policies that could pave the way for closer EU relations. - Exclusive content: Get the highest quality analysis, opinion and debate from political experts across the UK and Europe. - Inform the debate: Join our thriving commenting community and receive exclusive invitations to future live events, webinars, expert Q&As and podcast recordings. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments