Prime Minister Burnham signals openness to discuss UK‑EU free movement
Andy Burnham said the UK should have an honest, evidence‑based debate about returning to free movement with the EU, noting changes in migration patterns since Brexit. He stresses any shift would need a general‑election mandate.
By LAS News Desk · Published 25 Oct 2026, 12:45 WAT
Prime Minister calls for honest debate
On 25 October 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the United Kingdom should have an “honest discussion” about the possibility of returning to the European Union’s free‑movement rules. Speaking to the Sunday Times, he said the debate must be factual and evidence‑based, and he highlighted that the nature of migration has changed since the 2016 referendum. Burnham’s comments come ahead of a planned summit with Brussels in November and are part of a broader discussion about the future relationship between the UK and the EU, which could include full EU membership or a single‑market arrangement.
Background
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, ending the free‑movement of people that had been in place since 1973. During the 2016 referendum campaign, the “Leave” side argued that unrestricted migration was a key concern. Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which led to Burnham’s government, ruled out a return to free movement, single‑market membership or a customs union. Burnham has repeatedly said that any fundamental change to the UK’s relationship with the EU would require a mandate from a general election, which is scheduled for 2029. He has also suggested that a new deal could mean the UK “all the way” back into the EU.
Why it matters
The debate touches on migration policy, labour markets, and the UK’s post‑Brexit trade arrangements. Critics such as Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have warned that a return to free movement could be politically unviable and would betray voters who supported Brexit. Supporters argue that the migration pattern has shifted, with fewer “revolving‑door” migrants and a different demographic profile. The discussion also has implications for the UK’s economic relationship with the EU, as free movement is a core component of the single market and could affect trade, investment and labour mobility.
What happens next
Burnham has said that any change would need to be decided in a general election, meaning that the issue will likely remain on the political agenda until the 2029 election. No specific timetable for a summit or negotiations has been announced beyond the planned November meeting with Brussels.
Sources
- Burnham open to return of free movement between UK and EU — Politico Europe
- PM open to 'honest discussion' about return to EU free movement — Sky News
- Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement — BBC News
- Andy Burnham says he wants ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EU — The Guardian
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