Downing Street says Burnham does not propose restoring EU freedom of movement
Downing Street has said Andy Burnham is not proposing a return to EU freedom of movement, after his comments prompted speculation about how far he wants the UK to move closer to Europe. The clarification came as the prime minister called for an “honest discussion” about Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU.
Burnham said he would not support joining the freedom-of-movement scheme without a referendum, and ruled out rejoining the EU during this parliament. He said he would like the UK to rejoin in his lifetime but that the public should decide; he also left open the possibility of campaigning on rejoining at the next general election. His Makerfield constituency voted 65% to leave the EU, and he is due to attend a UK-EU summit in Brussels on 20 November.
In short
- Downing Street says Burnham has not proposed restoring freedom of movement.
- He says joining the scheme would require a referendum.
- Burnham leaves open campaigning to rejoin the EU at a future election.
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The case for
A closer relationship with the EU, potentially including a future return to membership, could improve trade, cooperation and opportunities for people to live and work across borders. Burnham’s insistence that any return to freedom of movement or EU membership should require public consent recognises the democratic importance of decisions with wide consequences.
The case against
Leaving freedom of movement and EU membership in the realm of future debate may reopen questions voters thought settled and create uncertainty about the UK’s direction. Given the strong Leave vote in Burnham’s constituency, critics could argue that pursuing closer ties or campaigning to rejoin risks discounting local as well as national public preferences.
Explained simply
The UK voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum and formally left in 2020. EU freedom of movement allowed citizens of member states to live and work in one another’s countries; leaving the EU ended those rights between the UK and the bloc.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour politician. The prime minister is responsible for the UK government’s approach to relations with the EU, while voters would decide any major change through an election or referendum.
The debate concerns how closely the UK should work with the EU after Brexit, including whether to seek closer economic ties or consider rejoining. It matters because changes could affect immigration rules, trade and the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “No10 clarifies Burnham’s stance on Brexit after he hinted at return to freedom of movement”.