Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, has expressed a willingness to engage in an “honest discussion” regarding the possibility of reinstating free movement between the UK and the European Union. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Burnham stated that the nature of migration to the UK has evolved significantly since the Brexit referendum.

Changing Migration Dynamics

During the Brexit campaign in 2016, the topic of migration was a hotly contested issue, with the Leave campaign highlighting concerns over the rights of EU citizens to settle in the UK. Reflecting on this, Burnham noted that the flow of migration has shifted from a pattern where young individuals frequently moved back and forth between the UK and EU countries. He asserted, “The balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it?” emphasising the necessity for a factual and evidence-based debate on the subject.

Political Reactions and Future Prospects

Angela Rayner, speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, echoed Burnham’s sentiments, stating, “You can’t take anything off the table” and highlighted the importance of being pragmatic in negotiations with the EU. In contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch critiqued Burnham’s comments, suggesting he had not fully considered the implications, while Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick dismissed the proposal as “mad”.

Despite his openness to discussion, Burnham clarified that he does not foresee endorsing measures that would lead to UK membership in the Eurozone or the Schengen Agreement, which permits passport-free travel across many EU nations. His comments come ahead of an upcoming EU summit on 20 November, where he is set to propose a re-evaluation of the UK’s relationship with the bloc.

Burnham’s previous commitments to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto ruled out a return to free movement, membership in the single market, or a customs union, emphasising that any significant changes would need to be sanctioned by the electorate in a general election, which is required by 2029.