🔻UK Prime Minister did not rule out the return of freedom of movement with the European Union

Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, has not ruled out the possibility that this country could return to regulations on freedom of movement for citizens between the UK and EU countries.

According to The Sunday Times, Burnham said in an interview with the newspaper that the nature of migration to the UK after the country’s exit from the European Union, Brexit, has changed, and a greater number of migrants, rather than returning to their home countries, are settling in the UK permanently.

He said: “I think we should have a completely realistic, evidence-based discussion about this.”

The UK prime minister made clear that opposition to a return to freedom of movement regulations would not be a red line for his government in future negotiations with the European Union.

Freedom of movement regulations allow citizens of EU member states to live and work in other member countries without needing to obtain work visas. The UK left this system after Brexit.

Burnham’s remarks come as his government is considering options to expand relations with the European Union; including the possibility of returning to the Single Market of Europe or even rejoining the bloc.