Downing Street has been forced to clarify Andy Burnham’s stance on whether the UK would return to having freedom of movement with the EU after the prime minister said an “honest discussion” was needed on the issue.

Burnham fuelled speculation about a return to freedom of movement in an interview at the weekend, prompting questions about how close the UK could become to Brussels.

Confusion deepened after further interviews were interpreted as leaving the door open to an eventual return to freedom of movement and another referendum on the issue.

It forced a Downing Street spokesperson to say the prime minister was not proposing a return to freedom of movement, or any particular option.

“He is saying that it’s time for us to discuss what kind of long-term relationship with Europe is best for Britain and he is referring to the types of areas that that agreement and long-term future could cover,” she said.

“He is crucially not leaning either way, and that will be for the British public to decide.…