UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is ready to consider restoring free movement between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Politico reports this, noting that a summit of the two sides’ leaders will take place in November.
According to Burnham, a return to free movement is not a “red line” in the talks, as immigration trends have changed since London voted to leave the EU in 2016.
At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that Britain has not yet settled on a final position on the issue. He added that free movement had been associated with very serious challenges.
In September, during the Labour Party conference, Burnham said he was considering various options for a “reset” in relations with the bloc of 27 countries.
Some Labour figures have argued for joining the EU single market, the customs union, or even a full return to the bloc. Joining the single market would require the United Kingdom to accept EU rules that provide for the free movement of people.
Read alsoBurnham hinted that his government may consider the possibility of bringing the United Kingdom back into the European Union
This stance on freedom of movement marks a significant departure from Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out a return to the single market, the customs union, or a free-movement regime.
- The EU and the United Kingdom hope to approve a number of agreements at the 20 November summit, ranging from trade issues to climate regulation.