Burnham opens debate on possible EU free movement return

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he would welcome an “honest discussion” about the possibility of restoring free movement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, reopening one of the most politically sensitive issues from the Brexit debate. He said any discussion should be factual and based on evidence rather than campaign claims. Burnham’s comments, reported in an interview with the Sunday Times, form part of his broader interest in reshaping the UK’s relationship with Brussels.

He has discussed several possible models, including full EU membership, single-market participation and a customs union. Rejoining the single market would require the UK to accept free movement and some rules set by the EU. The prime minister has nevertheless said that he remains committed to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto.

That document ruled out returning to free movement, joining the single market or entering a customs union. Burnham has also said that fundamental changes to the relationship with the EU would require a mandate at a general election, which is due by 2029. He is expected to use a summit with EU leaders in Brussels on 20 November to set out different options for Britain’s future relationship with the bloc.

The remarks therefore come before a meeting that could give greater definition to his proposed post-Brexit reset, although no change in policy has been announced. Burnham argued that migration under EU membership was different from the pattern seen more recently. He described the earlier movement as often involving younger people who came to Britain for several years before returning, while acknowledging that free movement had created “very significant challenges”.

He said the balance of migration had changed since that period and that the issue should be examined openly. The Guardian reported figures from the Office for National Statistics showing that net migration was 335,000 in the 12 months to June 2016, around the time of the Brexit vote. It later reached 944,000 in the year to March 2023, after a rise in foreign workers recruited as Britain emerged from the Covid pandemic, before falling to 171,000 last year.

Burnham also drew limits around the possible direction of travel. He said he could not see himself recommending that Britain join the Schengen Area, where internal border controls have been abolished, or abandon the pound for the euro. The UK had retained sterling while it was an EU member, although new members have been encouraged to adopt the single currency.

The proposals have prompted immediate opposition. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said voters had chosen to end free movement in 2016 and that it would mean surrendering control of Britain’s borders. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called Burnham’s position a betrayal, including of voters in Makerfield, the constituency Burnham won at a June by-election before becoming prime minister the following month.

The constituency voted to leave the EU in 2016. During the by-election campaign, Burnham had promised not to rerun the Brexit argument and said he was not proposing that Britain consider rejoining the EU. In September, however, he said Britain could go “all the way” towards rejoining the bloc.

His latest remarks leave the timing and substance of any possible change dependent on public debate, a future manifesto and an electoral mandate.