Andy Burnham is planning to tell MPs that Britain must strengthen its links with the European Union when lawmakers return from their break.
He will point out the harm done by leaving the bloc and call for joint work on immigration rules and trade to help the economy.
In a statement due on the first day back, Burnham will say that Britain cannot ignore chances for better cooperation with Europe and that maintaining the current situation is no longer sufficient.
He is expected to argue that most voters would expect the government to take advantage of any chance to tighten immigration controls while reviving the economy.
A source close to No 10 said: “Andy understands why some politicians do not want to face the reality that Brexit has not delivered on its promises. But it is time for a different conversation about what our long-term relationship with Europe should be.
Sticking with the status quo and not working hard to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.”
The statement comes on the same day MPs debate a petition in Westminster Hall calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU, which has gathered more than 111,000 signatures.
The intervention takes place amid growing divisions over Britain’s relationship with Europe, as senior Conservatives pledge to reverse Labour’s moves towards closer EU ties, including a proposed agreement to reduce post-Brexit barriers on food and agricultural trade.
Businesses have warned that ending such arrangements could keep costs and uncertainty from checks and paperwork at the border.
Yet the notion of Britain having closer links with the EU has caused unease within Burnham’s own party.
Some MPs from leave-voting areas fear that bringing the Brexit debate back could reopen old divisions, while senior ministers have cautioned about the political and economic risks of seeking EU membership.
Burnham’s statement also follows his Sunday declaration that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The prime minister said he sought clarification after entering Downing Street and learned of Russian involvement, though he did not share the evidence or suggest it had altered the referendum result.
The prime minister has already shown a marked change in tone from his predecessor Keir Starmer, who ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union.
At Labour’s conference in Liverpool last month, Burnham said Brexit had done more harm than good and promised to examine Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU. He left open the possibility of fully rejoining the bloc.
Monday’s statement will shift focus to immediate negotiations, with ministers aiming for progress on removing trade barriers, including bureaucracy affecting food imports and exports, and closer cooperation on migration.
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