Brexit referendum 'possible' in Labour election manifesto, says Burnham

Andy Burnham has said it is "possible" a future Labour election manifesto could promise a new in-out referendum on the European Union.

The prime minister told the BBC a referendum "wouldn't be the right thing to do right now" but the UK needed to "consider the options" for its relationship with the EU as "where we are isn't good enough".

It comes after he pledged in his Labour conference speech on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc at a summit later this year.

The move could set up a huge dividing line at the next general election, with the Conservatives accusing Burnham of trying to "reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years".

As a candidate in the Makerfield by-election that propelled his return to Parliament, Burnham had promised not to "re-run" Brexit arguments and said he was "not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU".

In an interview with BBC political editor Chris Mason, Burnham was challenged over whether he was reopening divisive arguments about rejoining the EU, despite promising not to in May.

In response, the PM said: "No, I'm not proposing that, am I? I am saying that in a context when we're looking at a 10-year plan for Britain, Britain needs to consider the options as to where we will be.

"That is way before you even get to anything that's put before the public, this is about now just looking at what are the broad options for our relationship."