Burnham and Farage clash as UK and EU officials open freedom of movement talks
UK and EU officials are set to begin talks on freedom of movement, as Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage trade angry accusations over Brexit.
UK and EU officials are preparing to begin talks on freedom of movement, a move that has triggered a sharp exchange between Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage over Brexit. The Prime Minister is pushing for far closer ties with the European bloc, and the discussions mark a significant step in the government's effort to reset the relationship with Brussels.
The row between the two politicians reflects how sensitive the issue remains more than a decade after the referendum. Burnham has been accused by critics within his own party of reopening old wounds on Brexit, with reports suggesting a growing backlash over his position. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has been among the most vocal opponents of any move that would loosen restrictions on movement between the UK and the EU.
The Prime Minister has also faced questions about his position on a possible referendum on freedom of movement. Reports from the BBC indicate that Downing Street appeared to backtrack on the suggestion, leaving the government's intentions open to interpretation. Officials have not yet set out the precise scope of the talks or the timeline for any agreement.
The discussions are expected to focus on how people can move between the UK and the EU, a question that goes to the heart of the post-Brexit settlement. Any change would be politically contentious, with supporters arguing it would ease travel, work and study, and critics warning it would undermine the outcome of the 2016 referendum. The exchange between Burnham and Farage suggests the debate is likely to intensify as the talks begin.
6
