PM Burnham says freedom of movement merits honest discussion

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said freedom of movement could be part of a broader reset of Britain's relationship with the EU.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an 'honest discussion' about the UK's relationship with the European Union, saying freedom of movement for workers could be part of a broader reset of ties with Brussels.

In an interview with the Sunday Times conducted on 19 October, Burnham said the influx of EU workers into Britain before Brexit posed significant challenges. However, he distinguished this from current migration patterns, noting that pre-Brexit movement was 'revolving door migration where people would come and then go back'. He said: 'The balance of migration has changed, hasn't it, since then? I think we've just got to have an honest discussion about those things.'

Official data shows long-term net migration in 2025 fell to close to its level before the post-Brexit immigration system was introduced at the start of 2021. Burnham said freedom of movement should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader conversation on data sharing and migration policy: 'You've got to see it in the round, rather than just looking at freedom of movement on its own.'

In September, two months after replacing Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader and prime minister, Burnham said Britain should consider options for its relationship with the EU, including possibly rejoining the bloc one day. His previous government had pledged no return to freedom of movement, something Brussels sets as a condition for access to the single market.

How it is being reported

• UK PM Burnham open to discussing EU free movementBritish Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for "honest discussion" about EU ties, saying freedom of movement could be part of a broader reset.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 11:41
• UK PM Burnham open to discussing EU free movementBritish Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for "honest discussion" about EU ties, saying freedom of movement could be part of a broader reset.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 11:41

In this story: Andy Burnham · British Prime Minister · European Union · Keir Starmer · Labour Party · Brussels · Britain · Sunday Times

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