Andy Burnham says he wants ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EU

The prime minister has been open about his desire to revisit the relationship between Britain and Brussels, suggesting a new deal could mean the UK goes 'all the way' and rejoins the EU. Other options discussed by Burnham include joining the single market or being part of the customs union, both of which would require agreeing to rules set by the EU.

Manifesto Contradiction

Burnham has previously committed to the red lines in Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out the return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union. This means any fundamental change in the relationship is likely to have to wait until after a general election, expected by 2029.

Migration Perspective

The prime minister acknowledged freedom of movement 'had very significant challenges associated with it', but suggested that European migration had changed in the past decade. He noted the shift from 'revolving door migration' to current patterns.

Migration Statistics

In the 12 months to June 2016 – the month of the Brexit leave vote – net migration was at a near-record high of 335,000. Net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023 due to a surge of foreign workers encouraged by Boris Johnson's Conservative government. It has since fallen to 171,000 last year, almost half of what it was in 2016.

Political Reactions

Nigel Farage called the prime minister's comments a 'total betrayal' of voters who backed Brexit, including in Burnham's Makerfield constituency. Chris Philp stated that a return to EU free movement would mean 'handing back control of our borders' and ignoring the public's vote to end free movement.

Burnham will meet EU chiefs at a summit in Brussels on 20 November to present different options for the future relationship with the bloc, though he ruled out joining the Schengen Area or adopting the euro.