UK officials discuss free movement options with EU ahead of summit, business secretary says
British officials have begun discussions with the European Union about the long-term relationship, including a possible return to free movement, according to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Reynolds said the focus for now is on the EU summit in November, where an agreement easing some trading restrictions and a youth mobility deal could be sealed. He emphasised that the British people are “the boss” on what the UK will accept.
Reynolds, speaking ahead of the summit, said the government wants a long-term and stable relationship with the bloc. He noted that changes announced at the summit, including a food and drink deal and emissions trading, would make a significant difference. The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has made clear he wants a long-term and stable relationship, Reynolds added.
Focus on summit and tangible improvements
Reynolds said the immediate priority is the summit and the tangible improvements it can deliver. “They will be talking to them about what the future options for our relationship might be. But here and now, the focus should be on the summit and the tangible difference improvements we’re going to make,” he stated. He added that the prime minister will set out the long-term relationship after the summit and be frank with the British people about trade-offs.
Reynolds insisted that no assumptions have been made about the next stage and that no decision will be taken without voters having a say, though he did not specify whether that would be a general election or a referendum. “No assumptions have been made on this. The British people are the people who will decide this. They’re the boss on this,” he said.
Backbench caution and opposition
Some Labour backbenchers with heavily pro-Brexit seats in the north and Midlands are wary about reopening arguments over free movement or rejoining the EU. Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said the divisive debate from the referendum has left scars that have not healed for many people. “I am still not over the kind of very divisive debate that we had when we were leaving the EU post the referendum, and I don’t think that the scars have healed for many people around the country,” she said, adding that this is an unnecessary conversation at this time.
Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said discussing freedom of movement would be “very, very poor indeed”. He argued that the prime minister has no mandate, citing Burnham’s earlier statements that he would not reopen these arguments. Farage noted that two and a half years ago the Labour government got a massive majority in parliament saying it would not re-enter the single market, customs union, or open debate on free movement.
