The Newshound

PM Andy Burnham retreats on EU free movement as his Downing Street office insists he is 'not leaning either way'

A crowded migrant dinghy buckling under the swell in the Channel, as Andy Burnham argues Brexit left Britain with weaker control of its borders.
A crowded migrant dinghy buckling under the swell in the Channel, as Andy Burnham argues Brexit left Britain with weaker control of its borders.
Andy Burnham blamed Brexit for weakening control of immigration and for Britain's inability to return small boats migrants, as he prepares to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on 20…
Andy Burnham blamed Brexit for weakening control of immigration and for Britain's inability to return small boats migrants, as he prepares to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on 20…

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's call for an 'honest discussion' is 'not the same as settled policy'. A Downing Street spokeswoman insisted he is 'crucially not leaning either way' on free movement. No 10 pushed back against suggestions it was reversing course. Earlier on Monday, Burnham said 'we've lost immigration control' since leaving the EU.

The first small boat crossings were recorded in January 2018, two years before Britain left the EU.

Burnham said 'no' to restoring free movement without a referendum and ruled out rejoining this Parliament.

Sadiq Khan seized on the row and declared that rejoining the EU is 'inevitable'.

MoreThe GuardianNo10 clarifies Burnham’s stance on Brexit after he hinted at return to freedom of movementThe GuardianA referendum is not needed for the UK to reach a Bre-entry deal with EuropeThe TelegraphCelia Walden: Burnham is becoming Labour’s Boris (not in a good way)The TelegraphBurnham in retreat over EU freedom of movementEvening StandardBurnham ‘not leaning either way’ on future ties with EU, No 10 saysThe TelegraphBurnham would be a fool to squander his massive majority with an early electionLBCBurnham rules out rejoining the EU before the next general electionBBC News - UKAndy Burnham leaves door open to referendum on EU free movementThe IndependentWhat would freedom of movement mean for the UK in 2026?MetroRejoining EU is 'inevitable' says London mayor after Andy Burnham opens doorThe TelegraphBurnham blames Brexit for small boats crisisThe IndependentBurnham: Brexit is to blame for Britain’s small boats crisis
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →