Burnham Seeks 'Honest Discussion' on EU Free Movement Before Brussels Summit
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Sunday Times he wants a factual public debate on free movement, though Labour's 2024 manifesto ruled it out.
The story in focus
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in a Sunday Times interview that he wants an "honest discussion" with the British public about a possible return to EU free movement, The Guardian reported. Labour's 2024 manifesto ruled out free movement, single market and customs union membership. Burnham meets EU chiefs in Brussels on 20 November.
- Burnham told the Sunday Times he wants a factual, evidence-based debate on free movement
- Labour's 2024 election manifesto ruled out free movement, single market and customs union membership
- Burnham is due to meet EU chiefs at a Brussels summit on 20 November
- He ruled out recommending Schengen membership or adopting the euro
- Reform UK's Nigel Farage and the Conservatives' Chris Philp criticised the comments
What Burnham said
Asked about freedom of movement, Burnham said the debate should be factual and evidence-based. He acknowledged the arrangement had significant challenges, but suggested European migration patterns had shifted in the past decade, describing earlier movement as more of a revolving door and saying the balance of migration had changed.
The Guardian reports he also cited reciprocal benefits, particularly for young Britons wanting to live in Europe. He said he could not imagine recommending Schengen membership or replacing the pound with the euro.
Manifesto limits and timetable
The prime minister has previously committed to Labour's 2024 manifesto red lines, which excluded a return of free movement or membership of the single market or customs union. According to The Guardian, that makes any fundamental change likely to wait until after a general election expected by 2029.
Burnham has said he will use the period around the November summit to set out options to the public. He has separately said a new deal could mean the UK going "all the way" and rejoining the EU.
Reaction
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the comments a total betrayal of Brexit voters, including in Burnham's Makerfield constituency. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said a return to free movement would hand back control of borders and that voters had rejected it.
What is Burnham's next step on the EU relationship?
He is due to meet EU chiefs at a summit in Brussels on 20 November, where he has said he will lay out options for the future relationship to the British public.
Sources & further reading
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