British officials have begun discussions with the European Union about a closer relationship that could include restoring free movement after Brexit.
According to The Guardian, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that talks were under way ahead of a UK-EU summit in November, where both sides hope to reach agreements on trade restrictions and youth mobility.
Reynolds said Prime Minister Andy Burnham wanted a more stable, long-term relationship with the EU but stressed that no decisions had been made.
“The British people are the people who will decide this. They’re the boss on this,” Reynolds told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
The government is prioritising agreements covering food and drink trade, emissions trading and easier travel arrangements for young people.
Burnham recently called for an “honest discussion” about restoring free movement, suggesting that Britain could potentially rejoin the EU single market without another referendum if Labour included the proposal in its election manifesto.
However, the possibility has sparked criticism from politicians concerned about reopening divisions over Brexit.
Labour MP Melanie Onn warned that the debate could revive political tensions.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also criticised the discussions, arguing that Burnham had no mandate to reconsider free movement.
“What I am saying is this: this prime minister has no mandate, and to hear that his officials are negotiating in Brussels already is really very, very poor indeed,” Farage said.
