PM Burnham open to discussing EU free movement
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham is open to discussing a return to free movement with the EU.
- Burnham will present options for closer relations at a Brussels summit on November 20.
- The Prime Minister has ruled out joining the euro or the Schengen passport-free area.
- Labour's 2024 manifesto previously committed to ending free movement.
- Opposition leaders have criticized the potential policy shift as a betrayal of Brexit.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is open to discussing a return to European Union free movement as his government explores establishing closer ties with the bloc. Burnham spoke during the inaugural Wildfires '27 Resilience Summit at the National Resilience Centre of Excellence in Aintree, north west England, on October 23, 2026.
Burnham stated he will not rule out a return to free movement during discussions with the European Union. He called for an "honest discussion" regarding the issue ahead of upcoming talks with EU leaders.
This potential policy shift occurs as the government explores establishing closer ties with the European Union.
AI minister Kanishka Narayan stated at a parliamentary Diwali reception in London this week that British Indian communities play an important role in strengthening ties between the UK and India. Narayan, who grew up in Wales, highlighted historic and personal links between the two countries ranging from industry and healthcare to cricket and the shared use of the English common law system.
Attendees at the parliamentary Diwali reception included Sunny Mann, Global CEO of Baker McKenzie, AI minister Kanishka Narayan, Foreign Office minister Uma Kumaran, and Vinod Bange, Partner at Baker McKenzie.
Burnham outlines scope for closer EU ties
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to present options for closer relations with the European Union at a summit in Brussels on November 20. These options potentially include full membership or joining the single market.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Burnham called for an evidence‑based debate on whether to reconsider rules allowing EU citizens to live and work in the UK. He stated that migration to Britain has changed since Brexit.
Burnham ruled out recommending that Britain join the euro or the Schengen passport-free travel area. He told the Sunday Times, "I can't see myself ever recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or Schengen".
Opposition figures criticize potential policy shift
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the potential return to free movement. He stated, "The British people voted to end free movement, and there can be no return to it".
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused Burnham of betraying voters who supported Brexit. Farage called the prime minister's comments a "total betrayal of Brexit Britain and his Makerfield pitch".
Labour manifesto previously ruled out free movement
Labour's 2024 election manifesto ruled out returning to free movement. The party also committed against joining the single market or entering a customs union.
General election mandate required for major changes
The prime minister has previously said that any fundamental change to Britain's relationship with the EU would require a mandate at a general election. A general election must be held by 2029.
Burnham's path to the premiership
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield seat at a by-election in June 2026. He became prime minister the following month.
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- Andy Burnham calls for ‘honest discussion’ on EU free movement (easterneye.biz)
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