# Burnham calls for evidence based debate on UK–EU free movement

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/andy-burnham-touts-possible-return-to-free-movement-between-uk-and-eu-as-he-says-he-wants-honest-discussion/
- Published: 2026-10-24T22:17:52+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T22:32:29+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16236183/Andy-Burnham-touts-possible-return-free-movement.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Art, Culture, Europe, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Burnham wants an evidence-based discussion about EU free movement.
- The Government has not settled its plans for closer EU ties.
- Farage and Philp say a return would betray Brexit voters.

## Summary

Andy Burnham has raised the possibility of discussing a return to free movement with the EU as part of plans to build closer ties. He said the issue should be examined honestly and on the evidence, while the Government has yet to decide what options to pursue.

Burnham said migration patterns have changed since Britain left the EU, and described past free movement as involving some people who came to the UK for a few years before returning home. He acknowledged it had significant challenges, ruled out joining the Schengen area and is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels on 20 November. Nigel Farage and shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the idea, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to pursue closer agreements.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.