Downing Street has been forced into a humiliating Brexit climbdown after Andy Burnham's free movement fiasco left his own officials unable to say what he even wants. Desperate officials had to insist the Prime Minister was not proposing a return to EU freedom of movement, just days after calling for an "honest discussion" about bringing it back.
In an astonishing admission, his own spokeswoman refused to say whether he even backed Brexit, saying he was "crucially not leaning either way". It comes after a challenging few days for Mr Burnham, after he appeared to tie himself in knots over his evolving position on Britain's future outside the EU.
PM's evolving position on Brexit
Just days ago, the new premier told The Sunday Times he wanted a "very factual, quite evidence-based debate" on free movement. His declaration sparked fury from Brexiteers, including Reform UK's Nigel Farage, who branded it a "betrayal" of the 17.4million Britons who voted Leave.
Then, on Monday morning, he insisted he would not take Britain back into free movement without a referendum, vowing to "never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit". By lunchtime, his own spin-doctors were desperately rowing back on the Prime Minister's claims.
No 10's clarification
A No 10 spokeswoman said: "So, the Prime Minister isn't proposing a return to freedom of movement, or any option. He is saying that it's time for us to discuss what kind of long-term relationship with Europe is best for Britain, and he is referring to the types of areas that that agreement and long-term future could cover."
She added: "He is crucially not leaning either way, and that will be for the British public to decide."
The bewildering U-turns will fuel fears among the 17.4million who voted Leave that the Prime Minister is preparing the ground to drag Britain back towards Brussels.
Future options and summit
Mr Burnham has already ruled out rejoining the EU in this Parliament, but signalled he could fight the next general election on a promise to take Britain back into the bloc. The options he is reported to see on the table include full EU membership or joining the single market, which would mean accepting free movement.
Reform UK leader Mr Farage branded his comments a "total betrayal of Brexit". Mr Burnham will meet EU chiefs at a crunch summit in Brussels on November 20. No 10 said the PM's focus was on the summit and practical arrangements that it claimed would "add billions to the economy".
