British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signaled openness to revisiting the European Union’s freedom of movement rules for workers, a contentious issue that played a central role in the 2016 Brexit referendum. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Burnham acknowledged the challenges posed by EU worker inflows before Brexit but suggested that the nature of migration at the time was different and perhaps more manageable. He emphasized the need for an honest discussion about migration patterns, noting that the balance has shifted since Brexit.
Burnham’s comments come as part of a broader review of Britain’s relationship with the EU, which he has previously indicated could include options for rejoining the bloc. While he ruled out adopting the euro or EU’s border-free travel arrangements, he left the door open for discussions on data sharing and migration as part of a broader reset. A new referendum would be required for rejoining the EU, though not necessarily for joining the single market or a customs union.
Burnham is set to meet top EU officials at a summit on November 20, aiming to find ways to boost Britain’s economy. His remarks contrast with those of former Conservative finance minister Jeremy Hunt, who warned that relaxing immigration rules could harm efforts to move people off welfare and into work. Hunt argued that reopening the Brexit debate would be a mistake.