Andy Burnham says he wants an “honest discussion” with the British public about the possibility of returning to free movement between the UK and the EU as part of his plans for a new relationship with the bloc. The prime minister has been open about his desire to revisit the relationship between Britain and Brussels. He has said 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, which would require signing up to free movement, or being part of the customs union. Both would require agreeing to some rules set by the EU. In an interview with the Sunday Times he said: “I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this.” The prime minister 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. It means any fundamental change in the relationship is likely to have to wait until after a general election, expected by 2029. 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. “It was a type of immigration that perhaps wasn’t as difficult [as now],” he told the Sunday Times. “Revolving door migration where people would come and then go back is different. “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.” Burnham will meet EU chiefs at a summit in Brussels on 20 November. He argued that there had been reciprocal benefits of free movement for Britons, particularly for young members of the population wanting to experience living in Europe. The issue of migration was one of the dominant debates during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign. Andy Burnham promises ‘serious dialogue’ over UK’s relationship with EU Read more 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, according to the Office for National Statistics. Decisions made after the Brexit result would lead to higher levels of migration, however. Net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023 due to a surge of foreign workers encouraged to come to the UK by Boris Johnson’s Conservative government as the UK emerged from the Covid pandemic. It has fallen sharply since then, with net migration dropping to well below pre-Brexit levels. It stood at 171,000 last year, almost half of what it was in 2016. Burnham has said he will take the opportunity around the summit with EU leaders in November to lay out to the British public different options for the future relationship with the bloc. But Burnham added that he could not imagine recommending that the UK join the Schengen Area, in which border controls have been abolished, or ditching the pound to adopt the euro. Nigel Farage said the prime minister’s comments were a “total betrayal” of voters who backed Brexit, including in Burnham’s Makerfield constituency. The Reform UK leader added: “He is also deluded to say immigration was different when we were members of the EU. We will fight this dishonesty.” Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, said: “Andy Burnham knows full well that a return to EU free movement would mean handing back control of our borders and allowing uncontrolled migration from across Europe. “The British people voted to end free movement, and there can be no return to it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Heres a set of FAQs about Andy Burnhams call for an honest discussion on freedom of movement with the EU
1 Who is Andy Burnham
Hes the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a former Labour cabinet minister Hes a prominent voice in UK politics especially on regional and economic issues
2 What did he actually say
He said the UK needs an honest discussion about freedom of movement with the EU arguing the debate should focus on the real economic needs of places like Greater Manchester rather than being treated as a taboo
3 What is freedom of movement
Its an EU principle that lets citizens of member states live work study and retire in any other member state The UK left it when it left the EU
4 Why is he raising this now
He argues labour shortages in areas like social care hospitality and skilled trades are holding back growth and that a grownup conversation about managed migration is needed
5 Does he want the UK to rejoin the EU
No He has said hes not calling for rejoining the single market or customs union Hes asking for a debate about practical arrangements not membership
6 What would freedom of movement look like after Brexit
It wouldnt be the old EU version Any deal would likely mean a negotiated reciprocal scheme with conditions for example tied to work sector needs or time limits
7 Is this the same as the UKs current visa system
No The current system is a pointsbased visa regime the UK controls unilaterally A freedomofmovementstyle deal would be reciprocal and negotiated with the EU
8 Why do some people support the idea
Supporters say it could ease labour shortages boost tax revenue help universities and the NHS and improve UKEU relations and trade
9 Why do some people oppose it
Critics say it would mean giving up control of borders the central promise of Brexit and could depress wages or add pressure on housing and public services
10 What are the main benefits claimed
Filling vacancies employers cant fill attracting skilled workers more flexibility for young people to work abroad and stronger economic ties with the EU
11 What are the main problems or risks
Loss of border control possible wage
