Burnham calls for ‘honest conversation’ over return to EU free movement

Andy Burnham has said there needs to be an “honest discussion” over a return to free movement between the UK and EU. The Prime Minister, who has also dangled the possibility of rejoining the EU, said he wants to consider various options for a new relationship with the bloc. While acknowledging that migration had been a major factor in the Brexit referendum, Burnham told The Times “the balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it, since then? I think we’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things”. But he said he could not imagine recommending the UK joins the Schengen borderless area or ditches the pound to adopt the euro. “I can’t see myself ever recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or Schengen,” he added. Follow The i Paper’s live blog for the latest updates. Burnham calls for ‘honest conversation’ over return to EU free movement Sort: October 25, 2026 8:16 amBurnham calls for ‘honest conversation’ over return to EU free movement Good morning and welcome to our coverage. Andy Burnham has said there needs to be an “honest discussion” over a return to free movement between the UK and EU. The Prime Minister, who has also dangled the possibility of rejoining the EU, said he wants to consider various options for a new relationship with the bloc. While acknowledging that migration had been a major factor in the Brexit referendum, Burnham told The Times “the balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it, since then? I think we’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things”. But he said he could not imagine recommending the UK joins the Schengen borderless area or ditches the pound to adopt the euro.“I can’t see myself ever recommending anything that would involve joining the euro or Schengen,” he added.