Burnham Pushes 'Honest Discussion' on EU Freedom of Movement

This move directly contrasts with Labour's 2024 manifesto. That document explicitly ruled out rejoining freedom of movement, the single market, or the customs union.

Angela Rayner, however, stated the UK cannot go backwards. The future relationship with the EU must be considered.

Rayner also noted that exports fell by 20 percent. Red tape and friction impact businesses trading with EU partners. She added, "I want to see the best deal for the people of my constituency and for Britain."

Separately, the Prime Minister reportedly considers reintroducing freedom of movement. Claims suggest he opened the door to reversing Brexit during his party conference speech.

This could include a return to full EU membership or joining the single market. Both would necessitate free movement.

Kemi Badenoch stated that most Brexit voters opposed free movement. The 2016 EU referendum campaign heavily featured migration issues.

Burnham won the Greater Manchester seat of Makerfield in a June by-election. He became prime minister the following month. He represents a constituency that voted to leave the European Union in 2016.

Divisions reportedly exist within his Cabinet regarding a second referendum.

Jeremy Hunt highlighted that a million young people in the UK are not in employment, education, or training.

The European Movement UK claims the UK lost between £180 billion and £240 billion in growth since leaving the EU in 2020.

Burnham emphasised the need for a factual, evidence-based debate. He stated, "I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this."

He also acknowledged the shift in migration balance since the referendum. He asserted, "the balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it, since then? I think we’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things."

Any fundamental changes to the UK's relationship with the EU would require a general election mandate. This is due by 2029.