UK Prime Minister Burnham says he hopes to discuss restoring the free movement of people
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in an interview with The Sunday Times that he hoped to have an “honest discussion” about restoring the free movement of people between the UK and the EU.
Burnham said that migration patterns had changed after Brexit, and that the previous “revolving door” pattern of short-term migration was different from the current situation. He said he would not make not joining free movement a red line in negotiations, and planned to present the public with different options for the UK’s relationship with the EU around the Brussels summit on November 20, including possibly rejoining the single market, which would require accepting free movement. He also said he would not recommend joining the eurozone or the Schengen area.
Downing Street later clarified that the prime minister had not proposed restoring free movement, nor did he favor any option, and that the final decision should be made by the British public. Burnham had previously promised to abide by Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out restoring free movement, the single market or a customs union.
Original sources:
Title: Andy Burnham is open to adopting EU free movement Publisher: The Sunday Times Publication date: 2026-10-24 URL：https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/andy-burnham-free-movement-eu-mwscxsjln Nature of source: media report (interview) Verification status: read this time (2026-10-26) Supporting content: Burnham called for an honest discussion about free movement; said he would not make it a red line; planned to present options around the summit
Title: No 10 appears to backtrack on PM's freedom of movement referendum suggestion Publisher: BBC News Publication date: 2026-10-26 URL：https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx240dpzv009o Nature of source: media report Verification status: read this time (2026-10-26) Supporting content: Downing Street clarified that the prime minister had not proposed restoring free movement; the public would make the final decision
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Burnham’s remarks came ahead of a summit between the UK and the EU planned for November 20. He said he wanted a discussion about the long-term relationship and noted that free movement was no longer an absolute red line, while also stressing that he would not recommend joining the euro or Schengen.
Downing Street’s clarification indicates that there is currently no formal proposal to restore free movement. The prime minister’s office said he had not favored either side, and the relevant discussion had not yet turned into a specific negotiating position.
Labour’s 2024 election manifesto had ruled out restoring free movement, membership of the single market, or a customs union. Burnham had previously said that any major change would need a mandate at the next general election, which is due no later than 2029.
The current public information concerns only the UK side’s willingness to discuss future relationship options, and does not show that the UK and the EU have reached an agreement or entered formal negotiations on restoring the free movement of people.
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Burnham called for discussion of free movement, but Downing Street clarified that he had not proposed restoring the arrangement.
The public information does not show that the UK and the EU have reached an agreement on restoring the free movement of people.