Costa and Von der Leyen congratulate Burnham, calling for the strengthening of EU-United Kingdom relations

The presidents of the European Council, António Costa, and of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, have congratulated the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, for taking over from Downing Street with messages claiming the commitment to strengthening relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, already initiated by his predecessor, Keir Starmer.

“Over the last two years, relations between the EU and the United Kingdom have gained new positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to deepen our cooperation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses,” Costa said in a message shared on social media, which concluded by stating that “the United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together.”

Days before Starmer’s resignation, the former British Prime Minister and Costa announced the convening of the second bilateral summit since Brexit that was to take place this week, but was finally postponed without a date due to the change in leadership of the British Government.

Von der Leyen has also taken to social media to congratulate Burnham as the new prime minister, shortly after the Labor Party was commissioned by King Charles III to form a new government.

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the EU-UK partnership. For the security of our shared continent and (for) the prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel,” said the German conservative.

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, for her part, has highlighted that the United Kingdom and the Union are “stronger when they work as close partners” and has trusted that in the months and years to come the two regions can “continue building on the basis of the strong momentum created.”

“By working side by side we can strengthen our shared security, boost prosperity and create new opportunities for all our people,” the Maltese politician concluded in her congratulations to Burnham.