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The prime minister has indicated that the possibility of holding a referendum on freedom of movement with the European Union remains open. When questioned by broadcasters about whether he could restore free movement without consulting the public, Andy Burnham responded negatively. Nevertheless, BBC sources have revealed that no definitive decision has yet been reached on this matter. Burnham emphasized his intention to “never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit.”
While ruling out significant changes to the UK’s EU relationship before the next general election, Burnham expressed a desire to initiate discussions about possible future options. These ideas are expected to be outlined around the time of the upcoming EU summit next month. Freedom of movement, a principle that allows EU citizens to travel, reside, study, and work freely within member states, is a fundamental condition for participating in the EU’s single market. This single market facilitates the seamless exchange of goods, services, and people across member countries, which also adhere to shared regulations and standards. Despite this, the prime minister is reportedly hesitant about quickly reinstating freedom of movement, with sources confirming that no clear decision has been made regarding whether any return to free movement would necessitate a referendum. Burnham appears to believe that a broader conversation about the UK’s future relationship with Brussels should take place first.
The issue of migration played a central role in the 2016 Brexit campaign, particularly with concerns raised by the Leave side about freedom of movement allowing any EU citizen to relocate to the UK. Burnham has reaffirmed his commitment to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which explicitly rules out reintroducing free movement, rejoining the single market, or entering a customs union. He has underscored that any potential changes would require a clear mandate from a general election, which is scheduled to take place by 2029. Despite this, he has suggested that future options could vary greatly, ranging from maintaining the current status quo to rejoining the customs union or single market, or even holding a new referendum on full EU membership.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Burnham expressed openness to having an “honest discussion” about the possibility of restoring free movement between the UK and the EU. He argued that migration patterns have shifted since Brexit, noting that more people now move to the UK on a permanent basis. In contrast, he said, during the UK’s EU membership, migration generally involved younger individuals who stayed temporarily before returning to their home countries. However, Burnham made it clear that he would not support rejoining the eurozone or the Schengen area. The Schengen Agreement, which the UK never joined while it was part of the EU, permits passport-free travel among its members, whereas the UK retained the pound. Burnham also suggested that Brexit has resulted in a loss of immigration control, citing the recent “small boats crisis” as an example, which he attributed to the UK losing a returns agreement that allowed cooperation on deporting individuals. Meanwhile, the Conservative and Reform UK parties oppose the return of free movement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued that the majority of Brexit supporters opposed free movement, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described any such move as “a total betrayal of Brexit Britain.” Conversely, the Liberal Democrats contend that restoring freedom of movement would benefit the economy
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