Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated he is open to an "honest discussion" about the possibility of returning to free movement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Burnham expressed a desire to pursue a new type of relationship with Brussels, which could potentially include full EU membership or joining the single market – both of which would necessitate a return to free movement.

This stance marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as free movement was a central and contentious issue during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign. The Leave campaign successfully argued that ending the automatic right for EU citizens to live and work in the UK was a crucial aspect of "taking back control."

Burnham suggested that the nature of migration has changed since the UK's EU membership, noting that "revolving door migration where people would come and then go back is different." He believes "the balance of migration has changed" and called for a "factual, quite evidence-based debate" on the matter. While acknowledging the "significant challenges" associated with freedom of movement, he also pointed out its benefits for British citizens traveling and working within the EU.

The Prime Minister's willingness to revisit sensitive post-Brexit debates comes ahead of a key meeting with EU leaders in Brussels on November 20th. He is expected to present options for resetting relations with the bloc, signaling a potential recalibration of the UK's approach to its European neighbours.

However, Burnham's remarks have drawn immediate criticism from political opponents. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that there "could be no return to free movement" and that it would amount to "handing back control of our borders." Reform UK leader Nigel Farage decried the comments as a "betrayal of voters who supported Brexit."

Burnham's previous commitments align with the Labour Party's 2024 general election manifesto, which explicitly ruled out rejoining the single market, a customs union, or reintroducing free movement. He has previously stated that any fundamental changes to the UK's relationship with the EU would require a fresh mandate from the electorate in a general election, which is due by 2029.

In past interviews, Burnham had not ruled out the possibility of Britain moving "all the way towards rejoining the European Union." However, in his latest comments, he clarified that he "can't see myself ever recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or Schengen," referring to the passport-free travel area.

Burnham secured the Greater Manchester seat of Makerfield in a by-election in June, just before becoming Prime Minister the following month. His constituency, Makerfield, voted to leave the EU in 2016. During his by-election campaign, Burnham had pledged not to re-open Brexit arguments and had not proposed rejoining the EU.