PM plans EU movement debate for 2029

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that any major shift in UK-EU relations regarding free movement will wait until after the next general election.

He told the Sunday Times that the public needs a factual and evidence-based debate on whether Britain should return to free movement with the European Union. Burnham has previously suggested the UK could rejoin the EU entirely, join the single market, or enter a customs union. All three options would require accepting EU rules.

The prime minister acknowledged that free movement faced significant challenges in the past. However, he argued that European migration patterns have changed over the last ten years. He described the old model as 'revolving door migration where people would come and then go back is different.'

Burnham maintained that free movement offered reciprocal benefits to Britons. He specifically cited young people who wanted to experience living in Europe. This stance contrasts with Labour’s 2024 election manifesto. That document ruled out returning to free movement, joining the single market, or entering a customs union.

Because the government is bound by those red lines, a fundamental change in the relationship is likely to require a new mandate from voters. The next general election is expected by 2029.

Burnham will meet EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on 20 November.