British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in an ITV interview that he has not proposed restoring European Union free movement, ahead of a Nov. 20 summit on closer UK-EU ties.
Burnham said he would not move ahead of public opinion on Brexit. He described migration from Europe as shifting from shorter stays before Brexit toward longer-term settlement afterward, presenting that as his assessment rather than a measured finding.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto rules out restoring free movement or seeking UK membership in the EU single market or customs union. Burnham has said he will follow those commitments for this Parliament, ITV reported. His remarks follow earlier comments about closer UK-EU ties and free movement.
The Guardian reported that the text of a food and animal products deal had been settled and was due for review by EU ambassadors before the summit. A proposed youth mobility arrangement remained under negotiation, it said. The UK government has said the food agreement is intended to help farmers and food businesses.
Burnham has said he will outline longer-term options for UK-EU relations around the Nov. 20 summit in Brussels.
