Prime Minister Andy Burnham is preparing a package of sectoral offers for the UK-EU summit on 20 November, and is reported to be open to greater EU migration access, including proposals that could amount to freedom of movement, in an attempt to win deals in Brussels. The plan will first be tested at next week's European Political Community meeting in Dublin.

The preparations have exposed clear tensions inside the Cabinet. Insiders say Chancellor John Healey's public remarks on the subject have irritated No 10, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is likely to resist measures that would increase migration. The summit package is expected to cover youth mobility, agricultural trade, emissions rules and energy, with Brussels said to be willing to negotiate targeted deals in those areas.

Former EU negotiator Michel Barnier has warned that the single market rests on the four freedoms and is not negotiable, a reminder of the limits on any bespoke arrangement. Leaked draft papers seen by UK outlets say the EU could seek UK financial contributions in return for electricity market access, and could ask for limits on UK deportations of EU nationals. Brexiteer figures led by Nigel Farage are mobilising to oppose anything seen as a rollback of Brexit.

Burnham, who became prime minister in July, has signalled greater flexibility towards Brussels than his predecessor Keir Starmer. The approach has unsettled Labour MPs representing constituencies that voted to leave the EU in 2016, some of whom fear renewed arguments over migration and sovereignty could strengthen Reform ahead of the next election. Public attitudes have shifted towards closer European ties, according to recent polling, but support for a closer relationship does not necessarily mean enthusiasm for another prolonged political battle over Europe.

[Source: particle.news](https://particle.news/story/burnham-readies-migration-offer-to-win-deals-at-20-november-eu-summit) | [Source: europesays.com](https://www.europesays.com/europe/176308/)