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

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested Britain could consider rejoining the EU at some point. (EPA Images) London: The Labour leader has hinted he is open to reintroducing the EU's free movement rules as part of a new partnership with the bloc, according to a report published on Sunday. Burnham pledged to present various options for stronger ties with Europe ahead of a crucial UK-EU summit in Brussels later this month.

The politician, who has even floated the idea of Britain applying to rejoin the EU, believes the nation needs to have an "honest discussion" about how immigration to the UK has evolved since leaving the European Union. Immigration was a key factor in the 2016 referendum, which saw Britons narrowly vote to exit the EU. Burnham told the Sunday Times that the nature of immigration to Britain has significantly changed since the country's departure from the EU in early 2020.

He noted that it was a different kind of migration that might not have been as problematic as it is now. Burnham emphasized that the balance of migration has undoubtedly shifted since then. As the country's prime minister since July, Burnham has pledged to fulfill Keir Starmer's 2024 election promise of not returning free movement, single market membership, or a customs union.

This implies he might seek a mandate for significant changes to Britain's relationship with the EU during the upcoming general election, which is not expected until 2029. When asked if he could envision recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or the Schengen borderless area, Burnham firmly stated he couldn't see that happening.

Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, criticized Burnham's comments on free movement as a "total betrayal of Brexit Britain." Nevertheless, Burnham and EU officials are optimistic about reaching agreements on food and drink, youth mobility, and emissions trading during their meeting on November 20.