Cabinet split as Burnham pushes EU re-entry, Red Wall MPs warn on free movement

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a review of the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU, saying the original departure has been more damaging than beneficial and that full re-membership should be on the table. The proposal has sparked a split within his cabinet, with at least one senior minister insisting there is no appetite for re-joining and others privately opposing it for fear of reigniting Brexit-era divisions.

Ministers also rejected alternatives such as a Norway-type single-market arrangement, arguing it would make the UK a rule-taker on financial services. Labour MPs representing traditionally Leave-supporting Red Wall constituencies warned that any return of free movement of EU citizens would create a "massive problem" for their voters and tied the issue to the Channel small-boat crisis. Burnham countered that immigration under EU membership was largely temporary, unlike one outlet permanent settlement trend. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, praised the UK’s openness to re-engage with the bloc.