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Andy Burnham will use a key UK-EU summit next month to push for closer ties with the bloc as he insisted “the status quo is not good enough” for Britain.
The two sides will seek to sign a new post-Brexit food and drink deal, a youth mobility scheme and an agreement on emissions trading to avoid European carbon taxes on British business.
In a Commons address on Monday, the Prime Minister told MPs it would be a “dereliction of duty” not to seek deeper partnership with the EU but said the British public will be the “boss” at every stage of renegotiating the relationship.
“If we are serious about promoting growth, controlling immigration, upholding our values and security, it is a conversation we must have,” he said.
“Sticking with the status quo is not good enough for Britain.
“Worse, it would be a major dereliction of duty to turn away.
“We need to take a calm, clear-eyed, rational look at the world as it is today to consider what is best for our country.
“Our immediate priority is securing a successful outcome at the summit, and I believe we should then set up a serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long term.
“At every stage, the British public will be the boss, and I am clear that public opinion currently supports a pragmatic approach like the one I am suggesting.”
Mr Burnham said the upcoming summit “presents an opportunity to make progress on two crucial issues: boosting UK growth and controlling illegal immigration”.
In a statement on Monday, president of the European Council Antonio Costa said: “The European Union and the United Kingdom are like-minded partners, united by common values and shared interests.
“Our security and prosperity are closely intertwined, making a strong partnership between us essential.
“By deepening our co-operation, we can strengthen our ability to address the challenges of our time, strengthen our resilience and promote stability in Europe and beyond.”
The summit has been fixed for November 20 in Brussels after being postponed owing to Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
