No 10 appears to backtrack on PM's freedom of movement referendum suggestion

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's suggestion that he might hold a referendum on rejoining the European Union's freedom of movement scheme has triggered a swift clarification from Downing Street, which says no decision has been made and the government will not "get ahead" of public consultation.

Burnham told broadcasters on Friday that he could not introduce freedom of movement without a referendum. Hours later, Number 10 sought to correct the record, stating the PM "isn't proposing a return to freedom of movement" and is "crucially not leaning either way." A spokesperson said the government wants to have "a conversation with the public" first and that "the process will follow."

The confusion centres on remarks Burnham made to the Sunday Times, in which he said he would welcome an "honest discussion" about returning to free movement between the UK and the EU. He argued that migration patterns have shifted since Brexit, with more people now moving to the UK permanently rather than temporarily. He also claimed that when Britain was an EU member, migration involved "generally younger people" who would spend a few years in the country before returning home.

Burnham has committed to Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out a return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union. He has said any major changes to the UK's relationship with the EU would require a mandate at a general election, due by 2029.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said most people who voted Leave did so specifically to end free movement. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused Burnham of being "all over the place" on the referendum question and said the government should not agree anything at November's UK-EU summit without putting proposals to voters first.

The Liberal Democrats have supported allowing freedom of movement, arguing it would help economic growth.

Burnham has previously stressed he would "never move ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit" and said he cannot see himself recommending anything involving the euro or Schengen.