Andy Burnham is suggesting that rejoining the EU is among the options the government could examine to reshape the UK’s long-term relationship with Europe.
The prime minister told the BBC the current Brexit settlement had caused more harm than good.
Burnham pledged in his Labour conference speech on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc at a delayed summit later this year.
The move would be a decisive break from Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which pledged to make Brexit work.
The move could set up a huge dividing line at the next general election, with the Conservatives accusing him of trying to reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years.
