UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is open to readopting the European Union’s free movement rules as part of Britain’s future relationship with the bloc. The prime minister stated that the country should have an honest discussion about how immigration has changed since Brexit, ahead of a scheduled UK-EU summit in Brussels on November 20, 2026.
Burnham Proposes Honest Discussion on Post-Brexit Migration
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Burnham stated that immigration into Britain has operated differently since the country officially left the EU in early 2020. He pointed to a previous pattern of revolving-door migration where people would arrive and later return home, noting that the balance of migration has shifted since then.
Net migration reached a near-record high of 335,000 in the 12 months leading up to the June 2016 Brexit vote, according to Office for National Statistics data. Following policy decisions made after the referendum, net migration peaked at a record 944,000 in the year to March 2023. By the following year, net migration fell sharply to 171,000, which is almost half of what it was in 2016.
Manifesto Commitments and Upcoming Brussels Summit
Burnham assumed office in July and has committed to the 2024 election-winning manifesto of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, which explicitly ruled out a return to free movement, single market membership, or a customs union. However, the pressing debate surrounding reciprocal youth mobility has pushed the free movement question to the top of the agenda.
Because of his manifesto pledges, any fundamental shift in Britain’s ties to the EU likely requires a new mandate at the next general election, which is not expected until 2029. Despite opening the door to discussions on free movement, Burnham stated that he could not foresee recommending that the UK join the euro currency or the Schengen borderless area, which the UK was not a part of pre-Brexit.
Political Opposition and Scheduled November Agreements
Political opponents quickly criticized the prime minister’s remarks. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, called Burnham’s comments on free movement a total betrayal of Brexit Britain and accused him of being deluded about past migration patterns. Similarly, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp argued that restoring EU free movement would hand back border control and permit uncontrolled migration from across Europe.
Ahead of the November 20 summit in Brussels, Burnham and EU leaders are hopeful of striking deals covering food and drink, youth mobility, and emissions trading.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UK-EU Relations Reset
When is the upcoming UK-EU summit scheduled to take place?
The summit in Brussels is scheduled for November 20, where UK and EU leaders hope to reach agreements on emissions trading, youth mobility, and food and drink.
What specific red lines has Andy Burnham maintained regarding Europe?
Burnham stated in his Sunday Times interview that he cannot envision recommending that the UK adopt the euro currency or join the Schengen borderless area.
How low did UK net migration fall following its post-pandemic peak?
According to Office for National Statistics figures, net migration dropped sharply to 171,000 last year, down from a peak of 944,000 in the year to March 2023.