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.
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Big read: Burnham wants to turn back the clock on Brexit. This is why Remainers are worried
Andy Burnham must not rush any commitment to rejoin the EU, senior pro-Europe Labour figures have warned.
The Prime Minister opened the door to reversing Brexit in his party conference speech last month, triggering a wave of party big beasts, think-tanks and pollsters making the case for rejoining.
But senior Labour figures who regard themselves as pro-EU fear a rushed commitment or campaign could backfire.
They told The i Paper that Burnham would need to be honest with the public about the realistic options for future EU relations and any trade-offs.
Without this, they fear another 2016-style debate dominated by questionable claims that could lose them the battle over Brexit again.
The i Paper revealed on Friday that Burnham’s Cabinet is split over whether the UK should rejoin the EU and there are further divisions over whether or not to hold a second referendum.
Pro-Europe Labour politicians are urging Burnham to work with the EU to produce a realistic set of options and be open about the trade-offs of each one so that any debate is not dominated by speculation over what might be possible.
Read the full story here.
Burnham 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.