Burnham faces Labour revolt over free movement talks with EU

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 13:44 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested a referendum might be needed to restore free movement with the EU, sparking a Labour revolt.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested in an interview that a referendum would be needed to restore free movement with the EU as part of his bid for closer ties with the bloc. He said he would 'never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit'. However, Downing Street later stated that the PM 'isn't proposing a return to free movement', creating confusion over the government's position.

The comments have triggered a significant split within Labour. Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, warned that freedom of movement was a 'defining' factor in the Brexit vote and that suggestions of reinstating it risked destroying 'trust'. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, thought to be sceptical of rejoining the customs union and single market, avoided directly answering whether he backed free movement, instead stressing he was giving the 'Government line' and that the PM was merely highlighting 'things the EU would ask for'.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also reported to be concerned about the row, which has been seized upon by opposition politicians including Nigel Farage.

Burnham faces Labour revolt over free movement talks with EU — Image: The Independent

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How it is being reported

Burnham reignites Britain's divisive Brexit debate with his push for closer EU tiesPrime Minister Andy Burnham has reignited the Brexit debate by suggesting the U.K. should seek closer ties with the European Union, and even consider rejoiningThe Independent · 27 Oct, 15:12
Neil Kinnock praises Andy Burnham's Brexit debate for 'treating citizens like adults'EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Labour leader Neil Kinnock also insists freedom of movement - a controversial issue during the 2016 Brexit vote - is essential to boosting the economy and improving public servicesThe Mirror · 27 Oct, 15:10
What freedom of movement could mean for UK jobs, wages and unemploymentAndy Burnham wants an 'honest conversation' on returning to free movement with the EU. Here are the workers who could benefit and lose outThe i Paper · 27 Oct, 13:33
Labour revolt at Burnham bringing back Brexit wars as MPs warn over free movement talks with EU… and Cabinet splits deepenAndy Burnham used an interview yesterday to lean into the idea of returning to open borders with the EU as part of his bid for closer ties.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 11:25

In this story: Andy Burnham · Melanie Onn · Jonathan Reynolds · Shabana Mahmood · European Union · Labour

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