UK’s PM calls for ‘honest discussion’ about EU’s free movement

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to re adopting the EU's free movement rules as part of Britain's future relationship with the bloc, according to a report published Sunday. The Labour leader plans to lay out various options for closer ties with Europe ahead of a crucial UK-EU summit in Brussels. Burnham believes Britain should engage in an "honest discussion" about how immigration patterns to the UK have evolved since the country exited the EU.

The Labour Party's 2024 election-winning manifesto, which Burnham is committed to, ruled out free movement, single market membership, or a customs union. Thus, Burnham may seek to secure a mandate for any significant changes in Britain's ties with the EU at the upcoming general election, likely in 2029. Burnham ruled out joining the euro or Schengen area, which were not part of the UK prior to Brexit.

Anti-immigrant Reform UK leader Nigel Farage labelled Burnham's comments on free movement as a "total betrayal of Brexit Britain." Burnham and EU leaders are optimistic about reaching agreements on food and drink, youth mobility, and emissions trading during their meeting on November 20th.