Burnham's push for closer EU ties causes ripples in his party and others

There is renewed attention on the prime minister's push for closer relations with Europe - and that is causing ripples in his own party and others.

Andy Burnham told his Cabinet earlier this week: "I firmly believe we have ended up with a harder Brexit than people voted for… no sensible person thinks the deal negotiated by the Tories is working for the country."

It comes ahead of a week which will focus minds on the UK's relationship with the bloc. On Thursday, at a gathering of European leaders in Dublin, Burnham will for the first time meet those who could prove pivotal as he sells his vision for Britain's future in the bloc.

And next week, he will deliver a speech on foreign policy, in which – for Burnham – Europe is a central plank. He will then travel to Brussels for a UK-EU summit to sign new agreements on food, energy and youth mobility.

Talking about the new deal to be signed at the summit, Burnham said to ministers: "We will take opportunities that make people in this country better off.

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This lies behind the prime minister's decision to open the door to the argument about rejoining the EU single market - along with the freedom of movement that would bring - and even the EU altogether.