UK PM Andy Burnham Advocates for EU Freedom of Movement Discussion Amidst Shifting Migration Patterns

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed a desire to discuss the United Kingdom's potential return to the European Union’s freedom of movement rules for workers. This key issue was central to the 2016 Brexit referendum, which ultimately led to the UK's departure from the EU.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Burnham acknowledged that the influx of EU workers prior to Brexit presented significant challenges. However, he contrasted this with the current situation, stating, “But, at the same time, 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.”

Immigration was a pivotal factor in the 2016 Brexit referendum. A decade later, Burnham, who has previously suggested the possibility of Britain rejoining the EU, believes the country needs an “honest discussion” about how immigration has evolved since Brexit.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that long-term net migration to the UK nearly halved in 2025, dropping to 171,000 from 331,000 the previous year. This decline is the most significant since before the post-Brexit immigration system was implemented, with stricter government measures contributing to the reduction in arrivals.

Burnham suggested in his October 19 interview that freedom of movement could be part of a wider recalibration of the UK's relationship with the EU, encompassing areas such as data sharing and migration. “Consider what we’ve lost, which was the ability to be part of Eurodac and all the data collaboration around migration. You’ve got to see it in the round, rather than just looking at freedom of movement on its own,” he told The Sunday Times.

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, criticized Burnham’s remarks on free movement, labeling them a “total betrayal of Brexit Britain.” Burnham reiterated his stance at the Labour Party conference last month, stating that Brexit had caused “more harm than good” and advocating for a reconsideration of Britain's “long-term relationship” with the EU.

The Prime Minister, seeking to stimulate the UK economy, is scheduled to meet with senior EU officials for a summit on November 20.