The Prime Minister has signalled that he wants to change the Brexit deal agreed with Brussels by the Conservatives.
Andy Burnham discusses Brexit and closer ties to EU
Britain would have to accept freedom of movement if it were to rejoin the European Union, the bloc’s chief Brexit negotiator has reiterated. Michel Barnier stipulated that any future rapprochement between Britain and the EU, or even re-entry, must include acceptance of freedom of movement. Mr Barnier said today that “what remains unnegotiable is the condition to join the single market”. He added, using a phrase involving a fruit that buffeted Theresa May’s time in Number 10: “There is no negotiation possible.
“No possible negotiation on any kind of cherry-picking or the single market ‘a la carte’. The UK knows quite perfectly the conditions to be part of and to rejoin the single market and the customs union.” It comes as the Prime Minister emphasised the UK’s need to consider its long-term relationship with the EU.
Critics argue that this is reopening the Brexit debate and disrespecting the 2016 referendum result. He has also been accused of backtracking on his promise to his constituents in Makerfield during the by-election he won earlier this year not to re-run old Brexit arguments. But the Prime Minister has declared that Britain’s current deal with Brussels “isn’t good enough”, insisting that Britons would want him to grab “with both hands” the opportunity to boost economic growth through closer trade ties with the bloc.
As part of discussions, Mr Burnham has suggested that an “honest discussion” is needed on migration, leading opponents to fear that freedom of movement is on the table during future talks. But the Premier has insisted that he is proposing a return to the system, saying any decision about future arrangements would be led by the will of the British people.
In an interview, he replied “no” when asked if he would allow Britain to return to freedom of movement without a referendum. Mr Burnham has instructed his ministers to avoid publicly advocating for specific arrangements as regards the future UK/EU relationship, as the Government works out how to potentially deepen ties with Brussels.
In a letter, he wrote: “Both the UK and the EU have changed considerably in the 10 years since the Brexit vote. Any future relationship depends on practical arrangements that are realistic for both sides, and responsive to this new reality.” He added: “I am also clear that any fundamental change to the direction of the relationship would be for the public to decide and a matter for the next Parliament.”
Michel Barnier briefly served as France’s Prime Minister (Image: Getty)
Mr Burnham also specified that in “the period beyond the summit, Government policy will be to explore options for the long-term relationship with the EU for consideration in the next Parliament”.
“At the end of this process, we will set out to the country the respective merits and drawbacks of the various options,” he added. “It is important that we remain aligned and disciplined as a Government in our messaging throughout this period.
“It will not be appropriate for ministers individually to advocate for specific options or opine on the likely outcome of the process.” The PM told MPs in the Commons last week that there was “no confusion at all” about his position when asked if he wanted a referendum on rejoining the bloc.