Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants an “honest discussion” about a possible return of free movement of people between the United Kingdom and the European Union. He said so in an interview with The Sunday Times, given ahead of his government’s 100th day, which falls on Tuesday 27 October.
According to the prime minister, the debate should be factual and evidence-based. Burnham believes migration during EU membership looked different from today. Back then, mainly young people came, worked for a few years and often went home. He called the current situation a “revolving door” and said the balance of migration had changed.
The prime minister ruled out adopting the euro and joining the Schengen area. According to ITV News, he is considering various options, including full EU membership or participation in the single market. The single market, however, would mean free movement of people.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto ruled out a return of free movement, the single market and the customs union. Burnham has committed to respecting these “red lines”. So a bigger change would more likely be possible only after a general election. The prime minister wants to present options around the UK–EU summit in Brussels on 20 November, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The opposition reacted sharply. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the prime minister’s words a “total betrayal” of Brexit voters. Conservative Chris Philp warned of “uncontrolled migration” and said there can be no return to free movement.
Background: according to the ONS, cited by Al Jazeera, long-term net migration fell to 171,000 in 2025 from 331,000 in 2024.
What it means for you
For now, nothing changes. This is the announcement of a conversation, not a new law. Poles with settled or pre-settled status keep their rights. People who want to come from Poland to work still need a visa, e.g. a Skilled Worker visa.
Families must still meet the current rules for bringing relatives from outside the UK. Employers who hire people from Poland and other EU countries still need a sponsor licence. If free movement ever returns, recruiting in Europe would be much cheaper and faster for businesses – but that is a prospect of years, not months.
Our assessment
This is the strongest signal from Downing Street on the issue since Brexit. There will not, however, be a quick change. The prime minister himself is sticking to the manifesto “red lines”, and the opposition is already promising a fierce fight. In our view, the 20 November summit will bring smaller steps rather than a full return of free movement. For the Polish community, one thing matters most: do not make decisions about work, moving or a business today on the basis of announcements. What counts is the law in force.
What to do
- Check your immigration status and details in your UKVI account: GOV.UK – View and prove your immigration status.
- If you employ workers from abroad, follow the current sponsorship rules: GOV.UK – sponsor licence.
- Follow the UK–EU summit on 20 November. We will report immediately on decisions that matter to Poles and Polish businesses.
Source: ITV News (24.10.2026), Al Jazeera (25.10.2026), interview with The Sunday Times.
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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