# Burnham faces criticism over comments on restoring EU free movement

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/burnham-betrays-british-workers-and-jobless-youngsters-by-raising-the-spectre-of-free-movement-with-the-eu/
- Published: 2026-10-25T23:00:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T23:07:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16238023/Burnham-betrays-British-workers-free-movement-EU.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Europe, Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Burnham’s comments have reopened debate over EU free movement.
- Critics warn it could affect wages and young people’s job prospects.
- Labour says it has not settled on a future EU relationship.

## Summary

Andy Burnham’s remarks about closer ties with the EU, including the prospect of restoring free movement, have drawn criticism from political opponents and business figures. They warn that easier access for EU workers could affect British workers’ wages and young people’s job prospects, while Labour says it is right to discuss the future relationship with Europe.

Angela Rayner said Labour has not settled on a new arrangement and that no referendum would be needed to rejoin the single market. Burnham acknowledged the challenges associated with free movement, but argued that migration before Brexit was less difficult than the period that followed. Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt cited one million young people not in employment, education or training, while diplomatic sources said free movement would be essential to rejoining the single market or the EU.

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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.