Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement
The PM says he wants a "factual" and "evidence-based debate" about returning to free movement between Britain and Europe.
By BBC News
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an “honest discussion” about the possibility of restoring free movement between the UK and European Union.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Burnham said any debate should be “very factual” and “quite evidence-based”.
He said he wanted to explore a new relationship with Brussels, including the possibility of joining the EU single market or even returning to full membership. Both options would involve free movement.
Mr Burnham acknowledged that free movement had presented “very significant challenges”. However, he said migration patterns had changed since the UK left the EU.
He also pointed to the loss of access to European migration data-sharing arrangements, including Eurodac, saying the issue should be considered as part of a wider relationship with the EU.
The Prime Minister said he was not proposing an immediate return to free movement, but believed the subject should be discussed alongside the potential benefits and drawbacks of closer links with Europe.
He is expected to meet EU leaders at a summit in Brussels next month as discussions about the long-term UK-EU relationship continue.
Mr Burnham said he could not imagine recommending that the UK join the Schengen border-free area or replace the pound with the euro.