Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 27 October 2026 that British officials are discussing future options for the UK–EU relationship, which could include a return to free movement. He stressed the immediate focus is the EU summit in November, to seal an agreement easing some trading restrictions alongside a youth mobility deal.

What the summit aims to seal

Summit measures cited include a food and drink deal and cooperation on emissions trading, which Reynolds said would make a significant difference. Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants a long-term and stable relationship with the bloc and will set out the options after the summit, being frank about trade-offs, according to Reynolds. His quoted line: “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.”

Discussion, not a decision

This is discussion of future options, not an agreement to restore free movement, rejoin the EU or join the single market. Reynolds said no assumptions have been made about the stage after the summit, and no decision would be taken without voters having a say; he did not specify whether that would be via a general election or a referendum. The interview follows Burnham's Sunday Times interview signalling openness to discussing free movement, while Burnham ruled out rejoining in this Parliament on 26 October. The near-term red lines and the long-term discussion are separate positions and are not collapsed into one claim here.

Sources: The Guardian; BBC Radio 4 Today interview, 27 October 2026.