Macron Warns Burnham: Rejoining EU Means Free Movement
French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly told UK politician Andy Burnham that any move to rejoin the EU's single market or customs union would necessitate accepting the principle of free movement, potentially increasing annual immigration by over 200,000.
French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled that the United Kingdom would have to embrace the principle of free movement if it seeks closer ties with the European Union, including rejoining the single market or customs union. This warning, relayed by Whitehall sources, comes as UK politician Andy Burnham explores options for redefining Britain's relationship with the EU.
Reform UK analysis suggests that reinstating free movement could lead to an influx of more than 213,000 migrants annually, a figure based on pre-Brexit immigration patterns from EU nations. This potential surge in migration has drawn criticism, with Nigel Farage characterizing Burnham's proposals as a "Brexit betrayal" and warning of uncontrolled entry into the country.
Burnham, speaking at the Labour Party's annual conference, outlined plans to discuss Britain's EU relationship at an upcoming UK-EU summit. He suggested possibilities ranging from rejoining the single market or customs union to a full return to the EU, potentially with a second referendum. However, his speech reportedly omitted any mention of the likely return of free movement, a core tenet of EU membership that allows citizens unrestricted rights to live and work in member states.
The Centre for Migration has also highlighted the risks associated with reintroducing free movement, stating that rejoining the EU would likely cause a significant increase in migration from continental Europe. The think tank cautioned that this could occur without the ability for the British government to implement controls, particularly if labor market reforms are not concurrently addressed.
According to Whitehall sources, President Macron explicitly stated that Britain would need to accept "all four freedoms" – the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people – as part of any closer trading relationship with the EU. Experts have also suggested that long-term accession might require the UK to adopt the euro and relinquish the budget rebate negotiated by Margaret Thatcher.
Free movement was a central issue during the 2016 Brexit referendum. Some current ministers, however, believe that the more contentious issue for the public is the recent increase in non-EU migration, while reintroducing free movement would restore reciprocal rights for British citizens to live and work within the EU.