Burnham denies proposing return to free movement in talks with EU

Prime minister says he is committed to manifesto red lines and ‘public need to be the boss’ on future relationship

Andy Burnham has denied proposing a return of free movement in talks between the UK and EU, saying any decision about the future relationship will be led by the will of the British people.

His comments came as two senior ministers expressed caution about the talk of the UK returning as a full member of the EU or single market and the consequences of a return to free movement.

The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said on Monday she wanted to abide by Labour’s manifesto, which ruled out free movement.