PM puts EU free movement vote after 2029 election

British voters will likely not decide whether to restore free movement with the European Union until after the next general election. Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated that any major shift in border policy requires a fresh mandate, placing the decision on hold until at least 2029.

Burnham has previously maintained Labour’s 2024 election pledges, which explicitly ruled out returning to single market membership or the customs union. Both options would have required the UK to accept EU rules on worker mobility. By waiting for a new election, the government avoids breaking its earlier campaign promises while keeping the door open to a deeper relationship with Brussels.

The Prime Minister outlined several potential paths for a new deal with the bloc. These include full re-entry into the EU, joining the single market, or entering a customs union. Each of these scenarios involves agreeing to EU regulations, including those governing the movement of people.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Burnham said, 'I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this.' He acknowledged that freedom of movement 'had very significant challenges associated with it' but noted that migration patterns have shifted over the last ten years.

He distinguished current trends from the past, stating, 'Revolving door migration where people would come and then go back is different.' Burnham also argued that open borders offered reciprocal benefits for young Britons who wanted to live in Europe.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on 20 November. This meeting will serve as the immediate next step in negotiations before the domestic political timeline forces a final decision after 2029.