Rayner urges debate on EU free movement as critics warn of job losses
Angela Rayner defended the Prime Minister’s call for an “honest conversation” about closer relations with the EU, including the possibility of returning to free movement. She said Britain should discuss the trade-offs and seek a better long-term deal, while stressing that the country would not rejoin the EU or revisit the 2016 referendum arguments.
Andy Burnham has said staying outside free movement should not be a red line in talks with Brussels, ahead of a UK-EU summit on 20 November. Rayner cited a reported 20 per cent fall in exports and said any proposals should ultimately be put to voters at a general election; she did not say whether she personally supported free movement. Nigel Farage called the idea a “total betrayal”, while former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt warned it could undermine efforts to cut youth unemployment and welfare spending.
In short
- Rayner backed discussion of closer EU ties and free movement.
- Burnham says free movement need not be ruled out in EU talks.
- Farage and Hunt criticised the prospect of a return.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of discussing closer ties argue that Britain should weigh practical benefits against costs rather than rule out options in advance. They say improved access to EU workers and a better long-term relationship could help trade and the economy, with any significant change put to voters at a general election.
The case against
Critics argue that restoring free movement could weaken public confidence in the settlement chosen in 2016 and reduce the government’s control over migration. They also warn that greater competition for jobs could make it harder to reduce youth unemployment and welfare spending, so staying outside free movement should remain a firm negotiating position.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Rayner claims ‘honest conversation’ about returning to EU free movement will ‘bring the country together’ – but Labour accused of ‘betrayal’ and ‘hammer blow’ to jobless Brits”.