Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to a potential referendum on rejoining the European Union's freedom of movement rules, sparking a political backlash and an apparent backtrack from Downing Street.
Asked by broadcasters if he could introduce freedom of movement without a referendum, Mr Burnham responded with a blunt 'no'. However, sources later told the BBC that no decision on a referendum had been made, and the prime minister's deputy spokeswoman clarified he was 'crucially not leaning either way' and that 'the process will follow' a public conversation.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Mr Burnham said he would welcome an 'honest discussion' about free movement, arguing the current Brexit deal 'is not good enough' and has contributed to a loss of immigration control, including the 'small boats' crisis. He was careful to rule out joining the euro or the Schengen zone, and reiterated his commitment to Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which explicitly ruled out returning to freedom of movement, the single market, or a customs union without a mandate.
The remarks have drawn an immediate response from opposition parties. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued that most people who voted for Brexit did so precisely to end free movement, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage branded the suggestion 'a total betrayal of Brexit Britain'. Mr Farage said he was 'up for the fight again' on Europe and warned an election was coming to decide the issue.
In contrast, the Liberal Democrats said allowing freedom of movement would help boost economic growth. Mr Burnham is scheduled to attend a key summit in Brussels on 20 November.