Labour leaders back Burnham's call to revisit free movement with EU

Labour leader Andy Burnham has urged an "honest discussion" about restoring free movement with the European Union, saying the balance of migration has shifted since the UK left the bloc. He argued that the type of migration that occurred under EU membership was less challenging than the current system.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner echoed Burnham's view, describing the proposal as "just pragmatism" and emphasizing that the public should consider the best deal for Britain. "You can't take anything off the table when you're having a conversation," Rayner told Sky News.

Labour MP Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, said the UK is "long overdue for a grown-up conversation" about how free movement affects supply chains and jobs. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also signalled support for a closer relationship with the EU, potentially involving a return to the single market.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood cautioned that rejoining the EU would involve "hard trade-offs" and would not be a simple process, noting the need to balance trade benefits with other burdens. Several Labour MPs from traditionally pro-Brexit constituencies, such as Pendle MP Jonathan Hinder, have urged the prime minister to rule out a return to free movement.

Labour peer Richard Walker warned that restarting the debate could set a "dangerous precedent" and would not address youth unemployment. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised Burnham's suggestion, calling it a reversal of the Brexit mandate.

Polls indicate growing public openness to rejoining the EU or a single-market arrangement that includes free movement, despite the contentious history of the issue during the 2016 referendum.