UK PM Burnham says 'status quo' with Brussels 'not good enough' as he details upcoming EU summit

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK's relationship with Brussels needs to change as he spoke to parliament ahead of next month's UK-EU summit.

Burnham told MPs that "sticking with the current status quo is not good enough for Britain" and that a conversation over future relations must be had "if we are serious about promoting growth, controlling immigration, upholding our values and security."

"Worse, it would be a major dereliction of duty" for the government to "turn away" from exploring options for a closer relationship with the European Union, he continued, adding that his "immediate priority" was to land a "successful outcome at the summit," which is scheduled for 20 November.

He stressed that the British public would "be the boss" at "every stage" of the process.

Burnham has repeatedly signalled his intention to move the UK closer to the EU since taking office in July and recently said reentering the bloc was one of a number of options for the country moving forward.

The PM told an audience at the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool last month that Brexit had "done more harm than good" and that the UK needed a clear strategy on its long-term relationship with Brussels.

"We will not give Britain the clear path we need into the rest of this century until we decide on a long-term relationship with what is still our largest market," he said at the time.

On Monday, Burnham said the November summit would focus on boosting growth and controlling illegal immigration, whilst some of the other issues "on the table" would be a food and drink trade deal, linking energy systems, an emissions trading deal, and a youth experience scheme.

"We should not turn our backs on this opportunity," he added.

Right-wing figures in Britain have accused Labour of seeking to reopen the divisive Brexit debate, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on Monday saying Burnham was "unpicking" the withdrawal agreement with the EU and that he would not get a better deal.