Burnham opens door to EU free movement talks ahead of Brussels summit
· World · BBC News, Bloomberg
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he would welcome an 'honest discussion' on returning to free movement between the UK and EU, potentially including full EU membership or single market access during a Sunday Times interview. Speaking ahead of a Brussels summit on 20 November, Burnham acknowledged freedom of movement 'had very significant challenges associated with it' but argued that 'revolving door migration' where migrants return home was different from current challenges. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp ruled out any return to free movement post-2016 referendum, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the remarks a betrayal of Brexit voters. Burnham previously backed Labour's 2024 manifesto ruling out free movement, single market membership, or a customs union, noting any fundamental change requires a general election mandate by 2029. The prime minister also stressed he could not recommend joining the euro or Schengen area, while suggesting the type of migration during
Why it matters
Burnham's intervention risks reopening the Brexit settlement, potentially pressuring the Labour government to reconsider its 2024 manifesto commitments on migration and EU relations ahead of the general election due by 2029.
Read the original report — BBC News
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