Andy Burnham said he would use a planned summit with EU leaders to set out options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the bloc, signalling that closer ties could be considered. He argued that Brexit had done more harm than good and contributed to a decade of division, while criticising Brexiteers’ promise to “take back control”.

Labour’s current red lines against rejoining the EU or single market are expected to remain until the next election, and the party has not committed to putting rejoining in its manifesto. The summit, repeatedly delayed and possibly at risk of not happening, comes amid disputes over a proposed EU “made in Europe” scheme; the UK wants access, while the EU reportedly seeks concessions including lower tuition fees for EU students and a youth mobility scheme allowing up to 100,000 under-30s to enter Britain visa-free.