No10 backtracks twice on Burnham's EU free movement stance as critics accuse PM of 'dishonesty' over Brexit
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…
Downing Street has been forced into a fresh climbdown after Andy Burnham hinted at returning to EU free movement, with No10's spokesman now insisting the Prime Minister is 'not leaning either way' — the second time in a fortnight his office has had to row back on his remarks. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs his call is 'not the same as settled policy'. No10 says it is 'not at that stage yet' on whether voters get the final say.
Burnham once warned free movement was 'defeated at the ballot box' in 2016.
He also ruled out rejoining the EU this Parliament, hinting at a next-election pledge.
