Andy Burnham says he wants ‘honest discussion’ about freedom of movement with EU
Summary
Andy Burnham called for an evidence-based public discussion about whether the UK should restore free movement with the EU as part of a future relationship with the bloc. Labour’s 2024 manifesto ruled out free movement, single-market membership and a customs union, so the article says a major change is likely to wait until after the next general election, expected by 2029.Key Facts
- Burnham said free movement had brought reciprocal benefits, including opportunities for young Britons to live in Europe.
- The UK prime minister has said a new deal with the EU could involve rejoining the bloc, while other options include the single market or customs union.
- Burnham is due to meet EU chiefs at a Brussels summit on 20 November and said he would present the public with options for the UK’s relationship with the EU.
- Burnham said he could not imagine recommending that the UK join the Schengen Area or replace the pound with the euro.
- The Office for National Statistics reported net migration of 335,000 in the year to June 2016 and 944,000 in the year to March 2023.
- Net migration fell to 171,000 last year, according to the article, which says this was almost half the 2016 level.
- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp opposed a return to free movement.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
