// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Burnham open to 'honest discussion' on EU free movement
Burnham says migration to the UK is "different" now compared to pre-Brexit
The prime minister says he would welcome an "honest discussion" about the prospect of returning to free movement between the UK and European Union.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Andy Burnham said he wants pursue a new type of relationship with Brussels, potentially including full EU membership or joining the single market, which would require free movement.
"I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this," he told the newspaper.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said there could be "no return" to free movement after the 2016 EU referendum, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the prime minister's comments were a betrayal of voters who supported Brexit.
Burnham has previously committed to Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out the return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union.
He has said that any fundamental changes would require a mandate at a general election, which is due by 2029.
Migration dominated debate during the 2016 Brexit campaign, with the "leave" campaign raising issues about rules allowing any EU citizen to move to the UK.
But the prime minister suggested the type of migration experienced during the years of EU membership was "different" from the challenges faced now.
"It was generally younger people, not always, but spending a few years, then going back," he said in his told the Sunday Times., external