UK’s Rayner says no Brexit reopening as Burnham floats EU free movement

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner dismissed the idea that Andy Burnham was reigniting Brexit discourse by potentially reevaluating a campaign pledge to block EU free movement. Rayner clarified in a BBC interview that the government is still dedicated to fulfilling its promise for the current parliament, but hinted that a future Labour manifesto might adopt a distinct stance.

She emphasized that this discussion should not entail resurrecting the pre-Brexit conditions. Rayner's comments came in response to a Sunday Times interview with Burnham, who expressed willingness to reintroduce EU's free movement rules. Burnham stated, "I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this."

The UK is gearing up for a summit in Brussels on November 20, where officials will deliberate on enhancing defense, security, energy, agrifood rules, migration, and law enforcement cooperation, as well as charting the path forward in bilateral relations. A month prior, Burnham indicated a willingness to consider rejoining the EU after the upcoming election, arguing that the 2016 referendum had left the nation weakened and failed to grant Britain the control over borders and regulations it had hoped for, as advocated by the Leave campaign.

Reform UK's Treasury spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, dismissed the notion of reverting to EU free movement as "completely mad" during the same BBC program.