Burnham calls for evidence based debate on UK–EU free movement
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.
In short
- 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.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that carefully reconsidering free movement may help Britain build closer ties with the EU and make it easier for people to work and study across borders. They would favour weighing current migration patterns and the economic and social effects against the challenges, rather than ruling out the option in advance.
The case against
Opponents could argue that restoring free movement would reduce the UK’s control over migration and revive pressures associated with the previous system. They may favour closer cooperation with the EU through more limited agreements that preserve easier travel or economic links without reinstating broad rights to live and work across borders.
Explained simply
Free movement allowed UK and EU citizens to live and work in each other’s countries without applying for a visa. The UK left the EU in 2020, ending those arrangements for most people, although travel and work rules still depend on the purpose and length of a visit.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour politician. The debate involves the UK Government, which decides national policy, as well as EU leaders and politicians who differ over how close the UK should be to the EU.
Any change could affect people’s ability to work or settle across borders, and could shape the UK’s wider relationship with the EU. The Schengen area is a separate arrangement that removes routine passport checks between many European countries; the UK is not part of it.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Andy Burnham touts possible return to free movement between UK and EU as he says he wants ‘honest discussion’”.