Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
Burnham calls for debate on possible UK-EU free movement return
Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants an open debate about free movement between the UK and the European Union as he considers closer ties with the bloc.
Free movement allowed EU citizens to live and work in the UK, and Britons to do the same in EU countries.
Some closer relationship options could involve free movement, including joining the EU single market.
Burnham says migration under the old system often involved younger people staying for a few years and then returning, but he accepts that free movement had serious challenges.
Opposition politicians say restoring it would break the Brexit decision and surrender control of the UK's borders.
Labour's 2024 manifesto ruled out free movement and other major changes, so a fundamental shift is likely to wait until after a general election expected by 2029.
Burnham will present options at an EU summit in Brussels on 20 November, but says he would not recommend joining the Schengen passport-free area or adopting the euro.
Andy Burnham called for an evidence-based public discussion about the possibility of restoring free movement between the UK and the EU.
He said migration had changed since the UK was an EU member, while acknowledging that free movement had brought significant challenges.
Burnham plans to set out options for the UK’s future relationship with the EU before meeting EU leaders in Brussels on 20 November.
Labour’s 2024 election manifesto ruled out free movement, single-market membership and a customs union.
Nigel Farage and Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp opposed a return to free movement, saying it would betray Brexit voters and reduce border control.
- Who
- Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, called for a discussion. Nigel Farage and Chris Philp criticised the prospect of restoring free movement.
- What
- Burnham called for an evidence-based debate about a possible return to free movement between the UK and the EU.
- When
- He made the comments on 24 October 2026. He is due to meet EU leaders on 20 November.
- Where
- The discussion concerns the UK and the EU; Burnham is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels.
- Why
- Burnham said the public should consider options for a renewed relationship with the EU and changes in migration since the UK was a member.
Andy Burnham
Nigel Farage and Chris Philp
Free movement
Andy Burnham
Burnham called for an honest, evidence-based debate about a possible return, saying migration had changed since the UK was an EU member.
Nigel Farage and Chris Philp
Farage called the prospect a betrayal of Brexit voters; Philp said it would mean handing back control of the UK’s borders.
Migration
Andy Burnham
Burnham said free movement had significant challenges but that migration at the time was different from today.
Nigel Farage and Chris Philp
Farage disputed that distinction, while Philp warned of uncontrolled migration from across Europe.
Net migration in the 12 months to June, the month of the Brexit leave vote, was 335,000.
Net migration peaked at 944,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Burnham called for an evidence-based discussion about possible UK-EU free movement.
Burnham is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels and plans to set out options for the UK’s relationship with the bloc.
- Net migration, year to June 2016
- 335,000
- Net migration peak, year to March 2023
- 944,000
- Net migration last year
- 171,000
- EU summit
- Brussels, 20 November
- Labour manifesto red lines
- Free movement, single-market membership and a customs union were ruled out
3 sources
What people are saying
I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this.
We’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things.
He is also deluded to say immigration was different when we were members of the EU. We will fight this dishonesty.
The British people voted to end free movement, and there can be no return to it.