The prime minister is to warn that declining a closer relationship with the European Union — should one be negotiable with Brussels — would amount to a “dereliction of duty”.
In a statement to MPs on Monday, Andy Burnham is expected to argue that it is time to “face up to the reality that Brexit has done more harm than good”, and that “the status quo is not good enough for Britain.”
He is also expected to tell the Commons that a fresh deal with the EU could help tackle illegal immigration and lift economic growth, and to claim that if such an agreement could be secured, “the vast majority of the public would expect us to take it”.
The prime minister first committed to exploring nearer ties with the bloc at a UK-EU summit to be held later this year, in a pledge delivered at the Labour Party conference last month.
His Commons appearance follows remarks to the BBC last month, in which he said it was “possible” that a future Labour election manifesto would promise a new in-out referendum on the EU.
A UK-EU summit had been due in the summer but was postponed after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation. It has since been rescheduled for next month.
The prime minister wants to secure adjustments to the existing arrangements between London and Brussels, as well as to open a wider discussion about the UK’s long-term relationship with its closest neighbours.
A No 10 source said: “Andy understands why some politicians don’t want to face up to the reality that Brexit has not delivered what they once promised.
“But it is time for a different conversation about what our long-term relationship should be. Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.”
Speaking at Labour’s conference, the prime minister said “immigration control” had been “weakened by Brexit”, because the UK “lost collaboration with our European partners. And we are still having to work hard to bring it back”.
Addressing her own party’s conference last week, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the prospect of reopening the Brexit debate as “a terrible idea”.
She said: “Can you imagine having to go through that again? So much time lost, arguing with ourselves with the EU. Going round in circles, businesses not knowing whether they should invest. He wants to do it all again.”
The Commons sits on Monday for the first time since 15 September, having been in recess during some of the party conferences.
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