UK premier, opposition leader clash over 'freedom of movement' ahead of Brussels summit

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch on Wednesday clashed over freedom of movement and Brexit terms as Burnham reaffirmed he is trying to get a better deal for the country during the upcoming EU-UK summit. "The red lines in our manifesto, including on freedom of movement, will stay in place firmly for the whole of this Parliament," Burnham said during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons.

His remarks came after Badenoch asked Burnham if he wanted a referendum on rejoining the EU. Burnham also recalled that the EU-UK summit will take place next month, noting that it is an opportunity to improve the "poor deal that they (Conservative Party) negotiated, and to get a better deal in place for Britain." European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will welcome Burnham in Brussels on Nov. 20 for the second EU-UK summit.

"The summit will be an opportunity to further strengthen the strategic partnership and take a common stance in working together for peace and security in Europe," according to the EU. Burnham added that they want to get a better deal that backs British farmers and removes red tape from businesses. "If we get the right deal, will protect our car industry and protect our steel industry, and will allow better coordination on migration," he underlined.

Badenoch, however, further pressed the premier, quoting his previous statement that the country will not rerun debate over Brexit and asked whether the prime minister "still agreed with himself." Burnham said he does and reiterated that what he is doing is trying to get a better deal for the country at the summit. For her part, opposition leader Badenoch said the country was paralyzed in 2017 during Brexit discussions, adding that "the country doesn't want to rerun this debate."

"We will take pragmatic steps where we can to support British businesses by improving the Brexit arrangements that we've got," said Burnham. Earlier this week, the prime minister's office was forced to clarify Burnham’s stance on whether the UK would return to having freedom of movement with the EU after the prime minister said an "honest discussion" was needed on the issue. In a statement, a Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister was not proposing a return to freedom of movement or any particular option.