Plan to drag UK back into EU single market slammed as 'total betrayal'

Plan to drag UK back into EU single market slammed as 'total betrayal' Andy Burnham said he wants an "honest discussion" about re-joining the EU ahead of a summit with European leaders next month. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Toby Codd 17:14, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Updated: 17:28, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Andy Burnham wants an (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham's constituents rage over Brexit betrayal Andy Burnham's plans to drag the UK back into the European Union (EU) single market have been slammed as "total betrayal". Britain opted to leave the single market, a trade bloc that treats all countries as a single economic territory, when it voted for Brexit in order to regain full control over specific political areas. However, the Prime Minister has now said he wants an " honest discussion " about re-joining the bloc, including joining the single market and a return of free movement between the UK and the EU. Burnham previously stated that Brexit was a "catastrophic mistake" that did "more harm than good". He has now opened the door for a return to the EU ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit in Brussels on November 20. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The Prime Minister said: "I think you have to have a very factual, quite evidence-based debate about this." He previously committed to Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out the return of single market memberships and free movement. The former Mayor of Manchester acknowledged freedom of movement had "very significant challenges associated with it". However, he argued that the nature of immigration prior to the Brexit referendum was different from migration patterns today. Speaking to The Times , Burnham said: "It was a type of immigration that perhaps wasn’t as difficult [as now]. Revolving-door migration where people would come and then go back is different. The balance of migration has changed, hasn’t it, since then? I think we’ve just got to have an honest discussion about those things." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT He also pointed out that EU free movement offered benefits to British people and allowed the UK to participate in vital security frameworks like Eurodac. The Prime Minister is now calling for an "honest discussion" ahead of next month's summit with European leaders as he hopes to lay out different options for the future relationship with the EU. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Nigel Farage has slammed the Prime Minister's comments as "total betrayal". (Image: Getty) Brits warned 'avoid three UK spots' if WW3 erupts as Army chief says 'prepare for war' 15 things you might forget as Government issues new stockpile warning Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . However, his comments have been branded a "total betrayal" by Nigel Farage . The Reform UK leader has branded the Prime Minister "deluded" and vowed to fight for Brexit voters. He said: "He is also deluded to say immigration was different when we were members of the EU. We will fight this dishonesty." Meanwhile, Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: "Andy Burnham knows full well that a return to EU free movement would mean handing back control of our borders and allowing uncontrolled migration from across Europe. The British people voted to end free movement, and there can be no return to it." Burnham will attend a UK-EU summit in Brussels next month. (Image: Getty) Burnham previously clarified he is "not proposing" an immediate re-entry to the EU. He instead argues that the UK should be actively evaluating rejoining alongside other long-term options. He noted that a new public vote would be required to fully rejoin the bloc, adding it is possible the next Labour manifesto could feature a referendum on EU membership. He is open to single market options and freedom of movement, but has ruled out joining the Schengen zone or adopting the Euro currency. EU Referendum Andy Burnham Brexit News Nigel Farage Chris Philp Labour Party Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments