No 10 Clarifies PM’s Stance on Freedom of Movement
Source reports published 26 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 10:16 pm AEST
Downing Street clarified the prime minister’s position following comments suggesting a potential referendum on freedom of movement with the EU. The government stated the prime minister is not proposing a return to this arrangement and intends to initiate a public conversation about the UK’s long-term relationship with Europe.
What happened
- Following comments by Andy Burnham, Downing Street issued a statement clarifying the prime minister’s position on freedom of movement with the EU.
- Burnham had previously suggested an ‘honest discussion’ was needed regarding a return to this arrangement, leading to confusion.
- A Downing Street spokesperson stated the prime minister is not proposing a return to freedom of movement or any particular option, emphasizing that the decision will be for the British public to decide.
- The spokesperson highlighted the prime minister’s intention to initiate a conversation with the public and focus on the practical arrangements at the upcoming UK-EU summit on 20 November.
- Burnham ruled out allowing the UK to join the freedom of movement scheme without a referendum, reiterating his commitment to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed opposition to a return to free movement, while Liberal Democrats argued it would support economic growth.
- Burnham’s comments also addressed concerns about immigration control, referencing the ‘small boats crisis’ and the loss of returns agreements following Brexit.
- He indicated he would be in Brussels for the summit, seeking a better deal with the EU, stating the Brexit deal has ‘weakened our economy [and] weakened our control of immigration’.
Original reporting
- BBC: No 10 appears to backtrack on PM's freedom of movement referendum suggestion
2026-10-26T12:16:28.829000+00:00 - Guardian: No 10 clarifies Andy Burnham’s stance on freedom of movement
2026-10-26T00:00:00+00:00