Burnham faces criticism over comments on restoring EU free movement
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.
In short
- 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.
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The case for
Supporters of restoring free movement argue that closer ties with the EU could improve trade and cooperation, while making it easier for businesses to recruit and for people to work across borders. Burnham’s comparison suggests migration may be manageable, and Labour’s position is that the country should openly debate future arrangements rather than rule them out in advance.
The case against
Critics argue that easier access to EU workers could increase competition for jobs and put pressure on wages, particularly for young people already facing poor employment prospects. They also see renewed free movement as a significant change that should be weighed carefully against its potential effects on British workers and the public’s expectations after Brexit.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union in 2020, ending its participation in the single market, where countries share rules to make trade easier. EU free movement allowed citizens of member states to live and work across one another’s borders, and ended for UK-EU migration after Brexit.
Andy Burnham is the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, while Angela Rayner is a senior Labour politician. Labour has not agreed a new arrangement with the EU; debates about closer ties involve questions about trade, migration and how any changes would affect workers and employers.
The issue matters because access to the single market and free movement are linked in discussions about the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Views differ over the effects on wages, job opportunities and businesses, as well as the terms of any closer relationship.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Burnham ‘betrays British workers and jobless youngsters’ by raising the spectre of free movement with the EU”.