Speculation continues to grow that the UK could strike a freedom of movement deal with the EU as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares for an international summit later this month, reports BritPanorama.
The Prime Minister has stated his desire for an “honest discussion” regarding how leaving the EU has affected migration to Britain. However, he denies planning to propose freedom of movement at the upcoming talks.
These remarks follow earlier indications from October that a return to a pre-Brexit movement agreement between the UK and EU would not be pursued without first being put to the nation in a referendum.
Mr. Burnham has expressed an interest in revisiting the nation’s relationship with the bloc, previously noting that Brexit has caused “more harm than good.”
Speaking last week, he remarked, “I was asked about how things have changed in the 10 years since Brexit, and the truth of the matter is we’ve lost immigration control in the way that we once had.” He highlighted the rise of the small boats crisis as a consequence of lost agreements that facilitated returns of migrants.
His statements suggest a potential pathway towards restoring free movement with the EU. However, Mr. Burnham has committed to adhering to Labour’s manifesto pledge on Brexit red lines, implying that any plans would be unlikely until after the next general election.
How would UK-EU freedom of movement work?
A return to free movement would eliminate the current points-based immigration system for European nationals, reinstating reciprocal rights under European Single Market rules.
For British citizens, this change would remove the 90-day Schengen limit, negating the need for visas, employer sponsorship, or electronic permits to travel to Europe. While the UK would likely refrain from technically joining the Schengen area to maintain internal border controls, UK passport holders would regain the ability to live, study, and work across all 27 member states without restrictions.
They would also reacquire access to reciprocal healthcare through the EHIC system and the cross-border coordination of state pensions.
In return, EU citizens would again be permitted to seek work in the UK without meeting skilled-worker salary thresholds or incurring expensive visa fees.
It is a common misconception that freedom of movement allowed Britons to settle indefinitely in the EU; in reality, anyone residing longer than three months was required to be employed, self-employed, or financially self-sufficient.
Has Brexit reduced immigration?
The departure from the EU did not result in the anticipated drop in net migration as promised during the 2016 referendum. Analysts indicate that rather than reducing arrivals, the post-Brexit visa system altered the demographic landscape of incoming migrants.
Official statistics reveal that net migration surged to an all-time high of 944,000 in the year leading to March 2023, primarily due to increased non-EU arrivals. Following this, the government tightened visa rules in 2024 and 2025, banning most dependants and raising salary floors to £38,700, which led to a reduction in net migration to approximately 171,000.
This changed environment has facilitated the establishment of a larger cohort of permanent residents in the UK, rather than seasonal workers visiting from the EU. While migration numbers from Europe have declined, the new system has opened opportunities for international students and healthcare recruits from countries such as India and Nigeria, according to researchers at Oxford University’s Migration Observatory. European net migration is now negative, with more EU nationals leaving the UK than arriving each year.
When could freedom of movement happen?
A comprehensive return to UK-EU freedom of movement is unlikely until at least the next decade. The Prime Minister has made clear he will not reconsider Labour’s Brexit red lines until after the next election, which is anticipated no later than 2029. A return to free movement would necessitate a referendum, alongside the likelihood of the UK needing to rejoin the European Single Market, indicating protracted negotiations with EU officials.
Nonetheless, smaller, targeted mobility deals are reportedly still under consideration ahead of upcoming UK-EU summits, with ministers exploring proposals from the European Commission for a two-way youth mobility scheme for individuals aged 18 to 30.
As discussions unfold, the complexities of migration policy and international relations remain at the forefront of British political dialogue.
