Burnham Faces Backlash Over Brexit Betrayal Claims
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accuses PM Andy Burnham of plotting to rejoin EU open borders scheme.
2 min read
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of plotting a “betrayal” of Brexit voters by suggesting a backtrack on the UK’s exit from the European Union. Burnham, who is set to meet with EU leaders in Brussels next month, has called for an “honest discussion” over rejoining the EU’s open borders scheme, which allows for cross-border travel without immigration checks.
Rejoining EU Open Borders Scheme?
Despite the chaos engulfing major EU nations that have embraced mass migration, with multicultural riots being witnessed in recent weeks in Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain, Burnham has said that the UK should have an “honest discussion” over rejoining the EU’s open borders scheme. Although reclaiming sovereignty over the nation’s borders was a central issue during the 2016 EU referendum, which saw 17.4 million people vote to leave the bloc, Burnham suggested that relinquishing such power could be necessary to reset the relationship with the EU and to forge deeper economic ties.
Burnham told The Times of London that although the freedom of movement system had “very significant challenges associated with it,” when Britain was in the bloc, he argued that “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.”
Labour Cabinet Backs Rejoining EU?
While Burnham did not commit to rejoining the open-borders scheme, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, an influential member of his cabinet, appeared to back the idea, saying Labour is intent on getting the “best deal for Britain.” She told the BBC that “I would like us to have an honest conversation about what the trade-offs could be and then put that to the people at a general election.”
Others within the party, including former minister Jess Phillips, have said that Labour should simply run in the next election on the premise of rejoining the EU outright. The discussions come despite Burnham explicitly running for parliament during the Makerfield by-election in June on the promise that the Brexit debate was settled and that he would not attempt to relitigate the referendum.
Farage Denounces Burnham’s Plan
In comments provided to Breitbart London, Brexit boss and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “This is a total betrayal of Brexit Britain and Burnham’s Makerfield pitch. He is also deluded to say immigration was different when we were members of the EU. We will fight this dishonesty.”
Reform UK Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf added: “Andy Burnham saying he is open to reintroducing freedom of movement is insanity. It means 450 million people – plus anyone who can get their hands on citizenship of any EU country – will be eligible to move to the UK. With nothing to stop them.”
Source: Breitbart
