Rayner backs Burnham call for debate on return to free movement with EU
Source: The Guardian ·
Cabinet minister says PM’s plea is ‘pragmatism’ but comments risk causing concern among some red wall MPsAndy Burnham’s call for the UK to consider a return to free movement with Europe has been backed by senior cabinet ministers including Angela Rayner but risks causing concern among fellow red wall MPs.The prime minister made his plea for an “honest discussion” about free movement in an…
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Andy Burnham’s call for the UK to consider a return to free movement with Europe has been backed by senior cabinet ministers including Angela Rayner but risks causing concern among fellow red wall MPs. The prime minister made his plea for an “honest discussion” about free movement in an interview with the Sunday Times, making clear that staying out of it would no longer be a red line in talks with the EU. Burnham said: “Freedom of movement had very significant challenges associated with it and I spoke about them in my previous time in parliament. But, at the same time, it was a type of immigration that perhaps wasn’t as difficult [as now]. “Revolving-door migration where people would come and then go back is different. The balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it, since then? I think we’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things.” His remarks were supported by Rayner, the housing secretary, who told Sky News that it was “just pragmatism”. She said: “It’s about…