Andy Burnham’s Brexit betrayal in full — from freedom of movement to a second referendum

Michel Barnier said the UK would have to accept freedom of movement to rejoin the EU single market or customs union, ruling out a bespoke arrangement. The comments sharpen debate over Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s push to examine closer ties with Brussels, which critics say risks reopening Brexit and disregarding the 2016 referendum.

Burnham has called the current UK-EU deal inadequate and said migration needs an “honest discussion”, but said he would not restore freedom of movement without a referendum. He told ministers not to advocate particular options while the Government explores long-term arrangements for the next Parliament, after which it plans to explain their merits and drawbacks to the public.