British Prime Minister stated that he is not against the return of freedom of movement between Britain and the EU
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is ready to discuss the return of the right for Britons to freely live and work in EU countries, and for EU citizens to do so in Britain. Burnham called for an "honest discussion" about freedom of movement, writes BBC.
The Prime Minister wants to build new relations with Brussels and does not rule out either returning to the single European market or restoring full membership in the EU.
“I think there needs to be a debate about this, but based on facts and evidence,” Burnham said.
Freedom of movement means that citizens of member countries can move to other countries within the bloc, live and work there without a separate immigration permit. Britons and EU citizens had such a reciprocal right before Brexit. Its restoration would be a condition for Britain's return to both the European Union and the single market.
For now, Burnham is speaking exclusively about discussing possibilities.
The Prime Minister's position differs from the program with which Labour won the 2024 elections. It excluded the return of freedom of movement, joining the single market, and the customs union with the EU. Earlier, Burnham stated that he supported this program.
Immigration was the main reason for dissatisfaction among 52% of British voters who voted to leave the EU in 2016. However, in the early 2020s, after Brexit, the level of immigration became even higher. In 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, the influx of immigrants sharply decreased.
“I think we need an honest discussion about this,” Burnham said, noting that the migration situation has changed.
Right-wing opposition parties criticized his words. "The British people voted to end freedom of movement, and there can be no return to it," said Chris Philp, who is responsible for internal affairs in the Conservative shadow cabinet.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the Prime Minister's words "an absolute betrayal of Brexit and his promises to the voters of Makerfield."
Recent sociological surveys show that a clear majority of Britons are dissatisfied with Brexit and would hypothetically like to return to the EU. This is usually explained by the fact that a significant proportion of those who voted to leave the EU in 2016 were older voters, many of whom have since died. However, data also indicate that a significant portion of Brexit supporters have changed their position over the past 10 years.
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