Burnham calls for evidence-led debate on EU movement rules

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain should have an evidence-led discussion about whether to restore free movement arrangements with the European Union.

The comments came during an interview with The Sunday Times held on October 19, 2026. Burnham said the issue could be considered within a broader effort to reset Britain’s relationship with the bloc.

He also said free movement should be assessed alongside arrangements covering migration and data sharing. Burnham identified both European Union membership and participation in the single market as possible models for Britain’s future relationship with the EU.

Those possibilities differ from Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out free movement, membership of the single market and membership of a customs union.

Burnham said he could not see himself recommending that Britain adopt the euro or join the Schengen Area. He also described the EU’s border-free travel system as an option he could not imagine advising Britain to enter.

Burnham is scheduled to meet European Union leaders in Brussels on November 20, 2026.

He became prime minister on July 20, 2026, and returned to Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield in June 2026.