Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly open to reintroducing freedom of movement between Britain and the entire EU, a move that would reverse the largest democratic vote in British history, according to political commentator Jonathan Saxty.
Writing in an opinion piece, Saxty argues that the policy would allow EU migrants, mostly new arrivals from Asia and Africa, to enter the UK, and he questions whether voters, particularly those in the Red Wall, would support such a change.
Red Wall voters taken for granted
Saxty suggests Burnham takes Brexit-voting districts in the North and Midlands for granted, believing they will accept what he calls "small beer announcements" such as bus passes and measures against nuisance rail passengers. He contrasts these with what he describes as lawless cities and open borders.
The commentator notes that households with foreign nationals received nearly £12 billion in Universal Credit payments last year, with the majority going to EU nationals. He argues that public services, finances and culture are already overwhelmed and that the proposed policy would make the situation worse.
Concerns over new arrivals
Saxty claims that, unlike previous arrivals from Poland, new migrants would more likely come from France and Germany, and he questions the need for small boats when arrivals could land at Heathrow airport.
He describes Burnham as a "reality TV PM" who has proven out of his depth in his first hundred days, and he criticises the government as a continuation of the previous Tory administration, citing the same criminal justice system, open borders, high taxes and broken promises.
The piece concludes by asserting that the Red Wall voted to leave the EU and that Burnham should not be allowed to pursue an open-door policy with the bloc.
