UK Labour Faces Backlash Over Discussion of EU Free Movement

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has defended the Prime Minister's suggestion of an "honest conversation" about reintroducing EU free movement rules, a stance that has drawn accusations of betrayal and concerns about its potential impact on unemployed Britons. The discussion, initiated by the Prime Minister and further elaborated by Andy Burnham, explores the possibility of revising the UK's relationship with the European Union, with Burnham stating that the current "status quo is not good enough."

Burnham, in a newspaper interview, called for an "honest discussion" about returning to free movement, which would grant citizens from all 28 EU member states the right to live and work in the UK. He suggested that the ease of movement experienced during the UK's EU membership, often involving younger individuals spending a few years before returning home, also benefited British citizens. He indicated that remaining outside free movement rules would not be a definitive red line in future talks with Brussels.

Rayner framed the Prime Minister's call as an effort to "tackle the big issues" and "bring the country together." Speaking on a television program, she stated that ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit on November 20, the government should engage in "honest conversation about how Britain can get the best deal going forward for the next decade." She emphasized that the UK cannot "go backwards" after leaving the EU, but must focus on its future relationship, noting that "exports reduced by 20 per cent" and "red tape and the friction" have hindered businesses trading with major European partners. Rayner suggested these potential trade-offs should be put to the public in a general election.

However, the proposal has faced strong opposition. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the suggestion as a "total betrayal" of Brexit and Burnham's campaign promises. Former Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expressed astonishment, warning that a return to free movement could be a "hammer blow" to efforts aimed at reducing youth unemployment and the welfare bill, particularly with a million young people currently not in employment, education, or training. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's remarks as thoughtless, asserting that most Brexit voters opposed free movement and that politicians have often failed to grasp the impact of immigration on communities. She argued that the focus should be on learning from past mistakes rather than reopening free movement.

Rayner, while not explicitly stating her personal desire for a return to free movement, defended the Prime Minister's approach as part of a broader agenda to address significant national issues and unite the country, rather than revisiting past arguments.