Burnham denies proposing EU freedom of movement as UK debates immigration and foreign policy

The Guardian reported that Burnham said he has not proposed a return to EU freedom of movement. The prime minister, according to the same outlet, wants an ‘honest discussion’ about how immigration has changed since Brexit.

In a separate exchange, the minister of state for the Department for Business and Trade, Badenoch, said China would not be impressed by the UK apologising for slavery. She added, "China did all sorts of things. It’s not out there apologising," and warned that "The purpose of the apology is to make us look weak. It is to make this country look weak."

Badenoch also described dynamic alignment as a red line, arguing it would surrender the "biggest freedom that we have from leaving the European Union, which is to control our own laws." She contrasted the UK’s approach to artificial intelligence with Europe’s, claiming, "Look at AI, for example. We are doing so much better than them. Europe is going backwards, regulating a sector that doesn’t exist."

Why it matters

The statements highlight the UK government’s stance on immigration policy, its reluctance to reverse Brexit freedoms, and its broader foreign policy posture toward China and regulatory competition with the EU.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

3 Nov 2026, 16:24 IST

Key names

UK, EU, China, British

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianBurnham says he has not proposed return to EU freedom of movement – UK politics live 3 Nov, 16:24

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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