Burnham Seeks 'Honest Discussion' on Freedom of Movement as EU Reset Takes Shape

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wants an "honest discussion" with the British public about whether free movement between the UK and the EU should return. He framed it as part of his plans for a new relationship with Brussels, and he said the debate should be "very factual" and "evidence-based."

Burnham has been open about wanting to revisit Britain's ties with the EU. He has said a new deal could mean the UK goes "all the way" and rejoins the bloc. Other routes he has discussed include joining the single market, which would require signing up to free movement, or joining the customs union. Both would mean accepting an element of rules set by the EU.

There is a constraint. Burnham has committed to the red lines in Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out a return of free movement, single market membership and a customs union. Any fundamental change is therefore likely to wait until after a general election, expected by 2029.

He acknowledged that free movement "had very significant challenges associated with it." But he argued that European migration has changed over the past decade. It was, he said, a type of immigration that perhaps was not as difficult as now, and he contrasted it with "revolving door migration," where people came and then went home. "The balance of migration has changed, hasn't it, since then?" he said. He also pointed to reciprocal benefits for Britons, particularly young people who want to experience living in Europe.

The figures show how far the numbers have moved. In the 12 months to June 2016, the month of the Brexit vote, net migration stood at a near-record 335,000, according to the Office for National Statistics. Decisions taken after the vote led to higher levels. Net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023, driven by a surge of foreign workers encouraged to come by Boris Johnson's Conservative government as the UK emerged from the Covid pandemic. It has since fallen sharply, to well below pre-Brexit levels. Last year it was 171,000, almost half the 2016 figure.

Burnham set limits on what he would consider. He said he could not imagine recommending that the UK join the Schengen Area, where border controls have been abolished, or give up the pound for the euro.

The reaction from opponents was immediate. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, called the comments a "total betrayal" of Brexit voters, including those in Burnham's Makerfield constituency. He added that Burnham was "deluded" to say immigration was different when Britain was an EU member, and promised to "fight this dishonesty." Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, said a return to free movement would mean handing back control of the borders and allowing uncontrolled migration from across Europe. "The British people voted to end free movement," he said, "and there can be no return to it."

Burnham meets EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on 20 November. He has said he will use the occasion to set out to the public the different options for the future relationship.