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The prime minister has expressed openness to having an “honest discussion” about the possibility of reinstating free movement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Andy Burnham outlined his desire to explore a new relationship with Brussels, which might include full EU membership or joining the single market—both of which would necessitate free movement.
Burnham emphasized the need for a “very factual, quite evidence-based debate” on the matter. Despite this, the shadow home secretary Chris Philp firmly rejected any return to free movement, referencing the 2016 EU referendum as a definitive end to such policies. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, also criticized the prime minister’s comments, labeling them a betrayal of the voters who supported Brexit.
Previously committed to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, Burnham had ruled out returning to free movement, membership of the single market, or joining a customs union. He has indicated that any significant alterations to the UK’s current arrangements would require general election approval, with the next election scheduled by 2029. Reflecting on migration, Burnham noted that the migration patterns during the UK’s EU membership differed from current challenges, observing that earlier migration primarily involved younger people who stayed in the UK for a few years before returning home. He acknowledged, however, that freedom of movement came with “very significant challenges,” highlighting the shift in the balance of migration since then.
During his first months as prime minister, Burnham has revisited some of the most contentious topics in British politics, including the UK’s relationship with the EU. In a September interview with the BBC, he even suggested the UK could potentially move “all the way” toward rejoining the European Union. Nevertheless, he made clear that he would not advocate for rejoining the eurozone or participating in the Schengen Agreement, which allows passport-free travel between member countries. His remarks came ahead of a planned meeting with EU leaders at a Brussels summit on 20 November, where he intends to propose options for resetting relations with the bloc.
Chris Philp has voiced strong opposition to the idea of resuming EU free movement, warning it would mean “handing back control of our borders and allowing uncontrolled migration from across Europe.” He reiterated that “The British people voted to end free movement, and there can be no return to it.” Burnham himself represents the Greater Manchester seat of Makerfield, which voted in favor of leaving the EU in 2016. During the by-election campaign in June before becoming prime minister, he promised not to reopen Brexit debates and stated he did not intend to propose rejoining the EU. In response to Burnham’s recent comments, Nigel Farage condemned the prime minister’s stance as a “total betrayal of Brexit Britain” and criticized the suggestion that immigration under EU membership was somehow different, vowing to contest what he called dishonesty
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