UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to an "honest discussion" about restoring free movement between the UK and the European Union, potentially as part of a new relationship that could include full EU membership or single market access. Burnham emphasised that migration patterns have changed since Brexit, noting a shift away from the previous "revolving door" movement of young people. However, he ruled out rejoining the eurozone or the Schengen Area.
Burnham's comments have sparked mixed reactions: Labour's Angela Rayner supported pragmatic talks to secure the best deal for Britain, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK's Robert Jenrick criticised the idea, citing concerns about immigration's impact. The remarks come ahead of an EU summit in November where Burnham is expected to propose options for resetting UK-EU relations. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over migration and trade post-Brexit, with some advocating closer ties to the EU and others opposing a return to free movement.
Read the full story: BBC UK News.
Source: BBC UK News. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.