Labour Defends Discussion on EU Free Movement Amid 'Betrayal' Accusations

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner defended the Prime Minister's suggestion of an 'honest conversation' about reintroducing EU free movement, asserting it is part of an effort to address significant issues and unite the nation. This stance, however, has drawn accusations of 'betrayal' from political opponents.

Rayner clarified that Andy Burnham's comments, which called for an 'honest discussion' about the possibility of returning to free movement between the UK and EU, were not an attempt to relitigate the 2016 referendum. She emphasized that the current status quo regarding the UK's relationship with the EU is insufficient and that the Prime Minister is focused on tackling major challenges and bringing the country together. "We can't go backwards. That's not a possibility for us. We have to go forwards, and therefore you have to look at what that future relationship will look like," Rayner stated. She also pointed to a reduction in exports and increased red tape since leaving the EU as reasons for seeking a better deal.

The Prime Minister's comments suggested that the nature of migration during the UK's EU membership, often involving younger people staying for a few years before returning, differed from current challenges. He implied that the ease of movement then also benefited British citizens.

However, the prospect of reintroducing EU free movement rules has been met with strong opposition. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage labeled the suggestion a 'total betrayal' of Brexit and Burnham's electoral promises. Former Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt described a return to free movement as a potential 'hammer blow' to efforts aimed at reducing youth unemployment and the welfare bill, citing the presence of a million young people not in employment, education, or training.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's remarks, stating he had not considered the implications and that many Brexit voters opposed free movement. She argued that revisiting free movement ignores lessons learned from past failures to control immigration.

Rayner, appearing on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, stated that the Prime Minister intends to have an open discussion about Britain's future relationship with the EU ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit on November 20. She indicated that the government is developing a 10-year plan and that any proposed changes would be presented to the public in a general election.