Published Updated
Europe25 October, 20262 min read
18 outlets compared
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Burnham open to discussion on returning to EU freedom of movement with the UK New relationship with Brussels could include full EU membership or single market
18 outlets compared
18 outlets told this the same way.
BBC was read line by line by the Watchdog: 0.0. See the score →
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Sunday Times he is open to restoring freedom of movement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, saying, "I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this." Burnham argued that pre-Brexit European immigration was "perhaps" less difficult than it is now, and he said, "Revolving door migration where people would come and then go back is different." Burnham framed the change in migration patterns as a reason for a new approach, and he said, "The balance of migration has changed, hasn't it, since then?"
Burnham highlights loss of Eurodac and migration data collaboration post-Brexit
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Burnham also set limits on any future deal, and he said he could not see himself ever recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or Schengen. Burnham’s remarks came as he prepared to meet EU chiefs at a summit on 20 November in Brussels, where he is expected to pitch options for a reset of relations with the bloc.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said there could be "no return" to free movement after the 2016 EU referendum, and he argued that a return would mean handing back control of borders and allowing uncontrolled migration from across Europe. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Burnham’s comments were a "total betrayal" of Brexit Britain and promised, "We will fight this dishonesty." Burnham’s openness also collided with Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out the return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union.
Burnham said any fundamental changes would require a mandate at a general election, which is due by 2029, and he stressed he could not imagine recommending joining the Schengen Area or ditching the pound to adopt the euro. The BBC said Burnham had previously committed to Labour’s 2024 manifesto and that he had told the newspaper he wants an "honest discussion" about the prospect of returning to free movement.
Burnham’s EU reset is expected to be discussed at a summit in Brussels on 20 November, where the BBC said he is expected to pitch options for a reset of relations with the bloc. The Guardian reported that Burnham planned to meet EU chiefs at a summit in Brussels on 20 November and lay out options for the future relationship with the bloc to the British public. DIE WELT said a survey by the auditing firm KPMG and the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany found 71 percent of companies wanted better trade relations from the British government and 73 percent wanted less bureaucracy from the German government.
DIE WELT also said 53 percent of firms mainly wanted more mobility for business travelers and employees and 49 percent wanted more efficient customs and border procedures. DIE WELT added that trade in goods remained well below pre-Brexit levels, with trade volume declining by seven percent to 118.4 billion euros per year between 2015 and 2025.
No contrasting quotation pair was identified in this analysis. The original reports are linked below.
Brexit: the British Prime Minister plans to restore freedom of movement with the European Union
Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement
Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement
Andy Burnham: British prime minister open to returning to EU freedom of movement
Burnham now says he is in favor of considering free movement with the European Union
Andy Burnham does not rule out the return of the United Kingdom to freedom of movement with the EU and calls for a “very rigorous debate, based on facts and evidence”
Burnham: Time for ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EU
The British Prime Minister calls for a discussion on the possibility of restoring freedom of movement with the EU
Burnham calls for 'honest discussion' about free movement between UK and EU
Andy Burnham calls for ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with the EU
Andy Burnham calls for a “honest discussion” on free movement with the EU
PM open to 'honest discussion' about return to free movement with EU
For Andy Burnham, getting closer to the EU could prove as tricky as exiting it – an expert explains
Andy Burnham says he wants ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EU
Andy Burnham: Time for honest discussion about freedom of movement between UK and EU
Andy Burnham calls for ‘honest discussion’ on freedom of movement between UK and EU
Burnham opens door to EU freedom of movement
Andy Burnham is open to adopting EU free movement
Prime Minister Burnham wants to discuss possible return of freedom of movement with the EU — The Guardian
Burnham open to return of free movement between UK and EU
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