Burnham's Brexit revisionism triggers confusion over free movement

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 03:50 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested reconsidering EU free movement rules, but Downing Street later contradicted him.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled openness to reversing aspects of Brexit, including reconsidering EU free movement rules, triggering confusion over Labour's position on the issue.

In recent remarks to The Sunday Times and during TV interviews, Burnham said he wanted to start an 'honest conversation' about the merits of reviving freedom of movement as part of a new deal with the EU. He suggested a referendum would be needed before such a change, saying he would 'never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit'. However, Downing Street subsequently contradicted him, stating that the public might not be given a vote on the issue and claiming that the PM 'isn't proposing a return to free movement'.

The confusion marks the second time this month that No10 has been forced to clarify the PM's remarks on Brexit. The Daily Mail reports that Burnham previously warned that free movement 'should never be revived' after it was 'defeated at the ballot box' in 2016.

Senior pro-Europe Labour figures have expressed concern about Burnham's approach. They have warned against rushing any commitment to rejoin the EU, fearing a hasty campaign could backfire. These insiders told The i Paper that Burnham would need to be honest with the public about realistic options for future EU relations and any trade-offs involved.

Burnham has sought to frame revisiting Brexit as something that would 'bring people together', suggesting that 'things have not worked out as they said they would at the time, particularly when it comes to immigration'. However, the Prime Minister has ruled out joining the euro or Schengen as part of any revised arrangement with the EU.

How it is being reported

• PM's new foot in mouth Brexit blunder: Two weeks after climbdown over Russia and referendum, No10 spokesman has to row back on Burnham's freedom of movement commentsMr Burnham warned previously that the free movement of people across borders should never be revived after it was 'defeated at the ballot box' in 2016.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 00:23
• What makes Andy Burnham think we can rejoin the EU? | Politics WeeklyAndy Burnham claims revising Brexit would ‘bring people together’. The PM wants to look again at issues like free movement, but rules out joining the euro or Schengen. Would rejoining the EU bring up old wounds and risk further division? Plus, as chancellor John Healey gears up for a tricky budget, what should you be looking out for? Continue reading...Guardian Business · 26 Oct, 17:50
• Burnham wants to turn back the clock on Brexit. This is why Remainers are worriedInsiders reveal their fears over how a rejoin campaign could backfireThe i Paper · 25 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Andy Burnham · John Healey · Labour · European Union

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