Andy Burnham seeks honest discussion about freedom of movement with EU

Andy Burnham wants an honest discussion with the British public about the possibility of a return to free movement between the UK and the EU as part of his plans for a new relationship with the bloc.

The prime minister has been open about his desire to revisit the relationship between Britain and Brussels. He has said a new deal could mean the UK goes 'all the way' and rejoins the EU.

Other options discussed by Burnham include joining the single market, which would require signing up to free movement, or being part of the customs union. Both would require an element of agreeing to rules set by the EU.

In an interview with the Sunday Times he said: 'I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this.'

The prime minister has previously committed to the red lines in Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out the return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union.

It means any fundamental change in the relationship is likely to have to wait until after a general election, expected by 2029.

The prime minister acknowledged freedom of movement 'had very significant challenges associated with it', but suggested that European migration had changed in the past decade.

He told the Sunday Times: 'Revolving door migration where people would come and then go back is different.'

Burnham will meet EU chiefs at a summit in Brussels on 20 November.

He argued that there had been reciprocal benefits of free movement for Britons, particularly for young members of the population wanting to experience living in Europe.