The short version
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a willingness to discuss the potential return of free movement between the UK and the EU, describing it as necessary for an honest public debate.
- This stance contrasts with Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which explicitly ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, suggesting major policy shifts may be delayed until after the next general election.
- Opposition leaders from Reform UK and the Conservative Party have condemned the comments as a betrayal of Brexit voters and a threat to border control.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has initiated a significant shift in the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit trajectory by calling for an open, evidence-based discussion regarding the possibility of restoring free movement between Britain and the European Union. In recent remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a factual debate about the nature of migration and the potential benefits of closer ties with Brussels. This approach marks a departure from the rigid boundaries previously established by his party, signaling that the government is actively considering a broader range of options for the future relationship with the bloc.
The Prime Minister’s comments come as he prepares for a summit with EU leaders in Brussels on November 20. During this meeting, Burnham intends to outline various scenarios for the UK-EU partnership to the British public. Among the possibilities under consideration are rejoining the single market or entering the customs union. Both of these arrangements would require the UK to adhere to certain EU regulations and, crucially, accept some form of free movement for workers. Burnham has previously suggested that a new deal could potentially see the UK go 'all the way' toward rejoining the EU, although he stopped short of endorsing full membership in this specific instance.
This openness stands in stark contrast to the Labour Party’s 2024 election manifesto, which set clear red lines against returning to free movement, single market membership, or customs union participation. Because these commitments were central to the party’s electoral platform, any fundamental alteration to the UK’s relationship with Europe is unlikely to occur before the next general election, which is expected by 2029. Burnham appears to be using the current period to lay the groundwork for a long-term policy review rather than implementing immediate changes.
In defending his call for debate, Burnham acknowledged that freedom of movement presented significant challenges in the past but argued that the nature of European migration has evolved over the last decade. He described previous patterns as 'revolving door' migration, where individuals would come to the UK and then return home, suggesting this was less difficult to manage than current trends. He pointed out that net migration figures have dropped sharply since their peak, falling to 171,000 last year, which is nearly half of the 335,000 recorded in the twelve months leading up to the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The context of these migration statistics is complex. While net migration was high at the time of the Brexit vote, it surged to a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023. This spike was driven by a surge in foreign workers encouraged to come to the UK by the previous Conservative government as the country emerged from the pandemic. Burnham’s argument rests on the idea that the current migration balance is different from the pre-Brexit era, warranting a fresh assessment of the costs and benefits associated with EU labor mobility.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the reciprocal advantages of free movement for British citizens, particularly young people who wish to live and work in Europe. However, he drew clear boundaries around his proposals, stating that he could not envision recommending that the UK join the Schengen Area, which abolishes border controls between member states. Similarly, he ruled out the possibility of abandoning the pound sterling in favor of adopting the euro currency. These exclusions suggest a middle-ground approach that seeks closer economic integration without fully surrendering national sovereignty on key issues.
The reaction from political opponents has been swift and severe. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, characterized Burnham’s comments as a total betrayal of voters who supported Brexit, including those in the Prime Minister’s own Makerfield constituency. Farage argued that Burnham was deluded in claiming immigration was different during EU membership and vowed to fight what he termed dishonesty. The criticism underscores the deep divisions within British politics regarding the legacy of Brexit and the direction of future foreign policy.
Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, echoed these sentiments, asserting that a return to EU free movement would effectively hand back control of UK borders and allow uncontrolled migration from across Europe. He emphasized that the British people voted to end free movement and insisted there can be no return to it. As Burnham prepares for the November summit, the debate over the UK’s relationship with the EU is likely to intensify, with the Prime Minister balancing his desire for a pragmatic new deal against the political constraints of his party’s manifesto and the strong opposition from Brexit supporters.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Andy Burnham says he wants ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EU
