Downing Street retreated from Prime Minister Keir Burnham's suggestion that he could call a referendum on rejoining the EU's freedom of movement scheme.
Burnham told broadcasters on Monday that he could not introduce freedom of movement without a referendum. But Number 10 sources told the BBC that no decision on that process has been made. The prime minister's deputy spokesperson later said the government would not "get ahead" of how to consult the public on major changes to the UK's relationship with the EU.
In a Sunday Times interview, Burnham said he would welcome an "honest discussion" about returning to free movement between the UK and the EU. He argued that migration patterns have changed since Brexit, with more foreigners moving permanently rather than the "generally younger people" who would spend a few years in the country before returning home when the UK was an EU member. He also said that since Brexit, the UK lost immigration control, pointing to the small boats crisis as an example of problems created by losing returns agreements with other countries.
Number 10 clarified Burnham's remarks after questioning, saying: "The prime minister isn't proposing a return to freedom of movement or any option. The PM thinks the Brexit deal is not good enough." The spokesperson added that Burnham is "crucially not leaning either way and that will be for the British public to decide," and that "what he wants to do first is have a conversation with the public. The process will follow."
Burnham told broadcasters he would "never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit." He is committed to Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out free movement, single market membership or a customs union. He has also previously stressed that any changes would require a mandate at a general election, due by 2029. Burnham ruled out major changes to the UK's relationship with the EU before the next general election.
He said he could not see himself recommending anything involving joining the euro or Schengen. The UK was not part of Schengen when it was an EU member and retained the pound throughout its membership.
The Conservatives and Reform UK both oppose a return to free movement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argued most people voted for Brexit to avoid free movement, while Reform leader Nigel Farage said such a move would be "a total betrayal of Brexit Britain." Farage said Burnham was "all over the place" on another referendum and should not agree anything at November's UK-EU summit without a general election. The Liberal Democrats have argued that allowing freedom of movement would help economic growth.