Burnham seeks honest discussion on UK-EU free movement return

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 23:32 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wants an 'honest discussion' about a possible return to free movement between the UK and the European Union as part of plans for a new relationship with Brussels. He told the Sunday Times he believes there should be a 'very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this'.

Burnham is considering various options for the future relationship with the bloc, potentially including rejoining the EU or joining the single market, both of which would require free movement. He previously committed to Labour's 2024 election manifesto red lines, which ruled out free movement, single market membership and a customs union, suggesting any fundamental change would need to wait until after a general election.

Burnham acknowledged that free movement 'had very significant challenges associated with it', but suggested the nature of EU migration differed from today's migration. He described EU migration as 'generally younger people, not always, but spending a few years, then going back', and noted that 'the ease of that worked for British people as well'. Free movement was widely viewed as a key factor in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Burnham will meet with European Union chiefs at a summit in Brussels on 20 November, where he plans to set out different options for the future UK-EU relationship to the British public.

How it is being reported

• Andy Burnham touts possible return to free movement between UK and EU as he says he wants 'honest discussion'The Prime Minister said he wants an 'honest discussion' with the EU as part of his plans for a renewed relationship with Brussels.Daily Mail · 24 Oct, 23:17
• Andy Burnham: Time for honest discussion about freedom of movement between UK and EUPrime minister says it is time for ‘evidence-based debate’ about what a new relationship with the EU would look likeThe Independent · 24 Oct, 23:12
• Burnham: Time for ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EUThe Prime Minister wants to look at options for a new relationship with Brussels.Evening Standard · 24 Oct, 21:33

In this story: Andy Burnham · European Union · Labour · Brussels · United Kingdom

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