Burnham says there is ‘no election coming anytime soon’ – but signals he will fight next one on platform of taking Britain back into Europe

Andy Burnham said he wants Britain to rejoin the European Union in his lifetime, signalling that Labour could campaign on closer ties at a future general election. He ruled out rejoining during the current Parliament, but declined to rule it out after an election, saying the public should decide.

Burnham argued that Brexit had weakened the economy and failed to deliver what voters were promised. The article says the Government is considering options ranging from closer cooperation to full EU membership or the single market, which would involve free movement; Burnham is due to meet EU leaders in Brussels on 20 November. Ministers have expressed differing views, while Angela Rayner called for an honest debate about the trade-offs.