Burnham Calls for Debate on Restoring UK-EU Freedom of Movement

Burnham’s proposal concerns the possible readoption of EU free-movement rules governing movement between Britain and Europe. The available reports describe an invitation to debate the issue rather than a formal decision to restore the arrangements.

According to The Guardian, Angela Rayner backed Burnham’s call for an honest discussion. The same report said the proposal could cause concern among Labour MPs representing heavily pro-Brexit or so-called red-wall constituencies, where some lawmakers may be more cautious.

The Guardian also reported that Burnham indicated excluding free movement from talks with the EU would no longer be a red line. That would leave the issue open for discussion in the context of a possible change in the UK’s relationship with Brussels, rather than confirming a negotiating position.

The debate is linked, according to The Guardian, to plans for a new UK relationship with Brussels ahead of a summit in November. The supplied reports do not set out a specific UK negotiating proposal, timetable or position from the European Union on restoring freedom of movement.

Taken together, the reporting establishes that free movement may be considered in future UK-EU discussions and that the subject has exposed political sensitivity within Labour. It does not establish a government commitment to restore the rules or indicate that any agreement with the EU has been reached.