Prime Minister Andy Burnham's proposal to potentially return the UK to the European Union's single market has been condemned as a "total betrayal" by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The comments come ahead of a UK-EU summit in Brussels scheduled for November 20.
Burnham, who previously described Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake" that did "more harm than good," has now called for an "honest discussion" about the UK's future relationship with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining the single market and restoring free movement between the UK and the bloc.
Prime Minister's Stance on EU Relations
The Prime Minister stated: "I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this." This position marks a shift from Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out a return to single market membership and free movement.
Speaking to The Times, Burnham acknowledged that freedom of movement had "very significant challenges associated with it," but argued that the nature of immigration before the Brexit referendum differed from current migration patterns.
He said: "It was a type of immigration that perhaps wasn’t as difficult [as now]. Revolving-door migration where people would come and then go back is different. The balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it, since then? I think we’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things."
Political Reactions and Opposition
Burnham also highlighted that EU free movement provided benefits to British citizens and allowed the UK to participate in security frameworks such as Eurodac. He is expected to present different options for the future relationship during next month's summit with European leaders.
Nigel Farage condemned the Prime Minister's remarks, saying: "He is also deluded to say immigration was different when we were members of the EU. We will fight this dishonesty."
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp added: "Andy Burnham knows full well that a return to EU free movement would mean handing back control of our borders and allowing uncontrolled migration from across Europe. The British people voted to end free movement, and there can be no return to it."
Long-Term Options and Constraints
Burnham has clarified he is "not proposing" an immediate re-entry to the EU, but argues the UK should actively evaluate rejoining alongside other long-term options. He noted that a new public vote would be required to fully rejoin the bloc, and suggested the next Labour manifesto could include a referendum on EU membership.
While open to single market options and freedom of movement, the Prime Minister has ruled out joining the Schengen zone or adopting the Euro currency.
