Andy Burnham ‘irritated’ with John Healey over fresh Brexit migrant rift

Andy Burnham’s support for Britain rejoining the EU has reportedly irritated John Healey, after the Chancellor joked he did not expect to see the UK return in his lifetime. The disagreement risks making Labour’s position look divided ahead of a UK-EU summit, as the Government seeks a closer relationship with Brussels.

Burnham is said to see accepting EU freedom of movement as a possible route to concessions, although the Prime Minister has not decided whether to offer it. Former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said freedom of movement is inseparable from joining the single market, while draft summit proposals reportedly include a demand that Britain halt deportations of criminals from EU member states. A return to free movement could also conflict with the Government’s pledge to reduce migration.