Key facts
- Burnham ruled out rejoining the EU within this parliamentary term.
- He stated that the UK had lost immigration control since leaving the EU.
- Burnham plans to seek a practical deal with the EU on farmers, food manufacturers, and immigration collaboration.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated he would not permit the UK to rejoin the EU's freedom of movement rules without a public referendum. Burnham clarified his stance on Monday, following weekend comments that suggested a return to free movement was necessary for a more functional relationship with Brussels. He emphasized that any such significant change would require public approval, asserting, "I will never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit."
Burnham also reiterated his position that the UK would not rejoin the EU within the current parliamentary term. He indicated that the UK had lost immigration control since leaving the bloc, citing the "small boats crisis" as an example of a challenge arising from the loss of a returns agreement. The Prime Minister plans to use an upcoming summit with EU leaders in November to pursue a practical deal that supports British farmers and food manufacturers, and increases collaboration on immigration.