Prime Minister Andy Burnham heads to the UK–EU summit in Brussels on 20 November: “A poor Brexit deal has damaged our economy”

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will meet European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on 20 November 2026. It will be the second UK–EU summit.

As the Prime Minister’s Office (10 Downing Street) said in a statement on 12 October 2026, the Prime Minister wants to use the summit to negotiate agreements that cut costs and red tape for British farmers and businesses, support industry and drive growth across the country.

At the first summit, held in London on 19 May 2025, the UK and the EU agreed a new strategic partnership. In Brussels the leaders will review progress and agree practical next steps: closer cooperation on security, illegal migration and crime, and less paperwork and lower costs for farmers and food businesses.

What the Prime Minister said

“A poor Brexit deal has damaged our economy. Britain can do much better, which is why at this summit I want to take practical steps that will benefit British people – cutting costs for our farmers, food producers and families.

The EU is our closest neighbour, our biggest market and a key security partner. The agreements we are working on will make us safer, cut the paperwork holding businesses back and ease the pressure on supermarket prices. I want every family and every business to feel the benefits of a closer relationship with Europe – and that is what I will focus on in Brussels.”

— Prime Minister Andy Burnham

What it means for Poles and Polish businesses in the UK

Less paperwork in trade with the EU and lower food import costs could directly affect Polish shops, wholesalers, transport firms and producers operating in Britain. THE BUSINESS TIME will report on the summit on 20 November.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street – press release “Prime Minister to attend UK-EU summit in Brussels on 20 November”, published on 12 October 2026 on GOV.UK. Quotes rendered by THE BUSINESS TIME Editorial Team. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.