Burnham has reaffirmed his commitment to Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which explicitly ruled out the return of free movement, single market access, or a customs union with the EU.
The prime minister has emphasized that any such changes would require a mandate from a general election, expected by 2029.
Nevertheless, he has outlined a spectrum of possibilities for the future, ranging from maintaining the status quo to rejoining the EU customs union, the single market, or a fresh in-out referendum on full EU membership.
In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, external, Burnham expressed he would welcome an “honest discussion” regarding the prospect of restoring free movement between the UK and the EU.
He argued that the nature of migration post-Brexit has fundamentally altered, with significantly more foreigners choosing to settle permanently in the UK.
Conversely, he noted that prior to EU membership, migration consisted largely of younger individuals who would reside in the country temporarily before departing.
Additionally, he stated: “I can’t see myself ever recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or Schengen.”
The Schengen Agreement, which the UK did not participate in while in the EU, enables passport-free travel across member states.
During its membership, the UK was able to retain the pound, though the bloc continues to push prospective new members toward adopting the Euro.
Burnham contends that Brexit has resulted in a loss of the immigration control the UK once enjoyed.
As an example, he cited the small boats crisis, attributing it to the absence of a mutual return agreement which allowed illegal migration to continue unchecked.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives and Reform UK both oppose the return of free movement with the EU.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued that most Brexit voters rejected the deal precisely because it preserved free movement, while Reform leader Nigel Farage described such a move as “a total betrayal of Brexit Britain”.
Farage also criticized the prime minister as being “all over the place” on the question of a second referendum, urging him not to commit to any agreements at the upcoming November UK-EU summit without first seeking a general election mandate.
However, the Liberal Democrats maintain that restoring free movement would be beneficial for economic growth.
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