Burnham rules out UK return to EU free movement without referendum

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he would not return the UK to EU freedom of movement rules without a referendum, after ruling out the prospect of Britain rejoining the bloc within this parliamentary term.

It comes after his call at the weekend for an “honest discussion” about a return to freedom of movement fuelled questions about the parameters around his vision for a deepening relationship with Brussels.

The prime minister was asked on Monday morning if he would allow the UK to join the EU freedom of movement scheme without a referendum.