Rayner says nothing should be off table in UK-EU talks

Angela Rayner has said nothing should be off the table in talks with the European Union and called for a grown-up conversation about the UK's relationship with Europe. The Housing Secretary, also described in one broadcast as the local government secretary, said the UK should revisit its relationship with Europe.

Rayner argued that the relationship with Europe could help the UK safeguard its borders while also making sure the economy benefits from people who come to Britain to work and from Britons who want to work in Europe. She said: "What we're saying is the relationship with Europe can enable us to safeguard our borders and we're very clear on that, but also about how we can ensure that our economies are benefiting from people who come here, work here and people, of course, who are here that want to go over to Europe and work as well."

The comments came amid renewed debate about freedom of movement. Broadcast reports differed on the immediate trigger. One bulletin said the Prime Minister had called for an honest discussion about the possibility of a return to freedom of movement between the UK and the EU. Another said Rayner's comments followed Andy Burnham's call for an honest discussion about bringing back freedom of movement, and that the Prime Minister wanted to look at all options, potentially including rejoining the EU or the single market.

No formal policy change or timetable was announced in the broadcasts. The focus was on Rayner's call for a more open debate and her argument that the UK's economic and border interests should be weighed together in talks with the EU.