Burnham says rejoining the EU among the options being considered in UK debate

Andy Burnham has said that rejoining the European Union is among the options he believes should be considered as part of a broader debate over the United Kingdom's future relationship with Europe.

Burnham's comments came as part of a speech in which he called for opening a wider discussion on how the UK engages with the EU going forward, touching on issues that have remained politically sensitive since Brexit.

The remarks were reported to have received a mixed response, with commentary suggesting the speech carries significance within the context of a series of Labour Party conference addresses over recent years.

Burnham has been a prominent voice within the Labour Party, and his willingness to raise the prospect of rejoining the EU highlights the continuing debate within British politics over the country's long-term relationship with the bloc, even as no formal government policy shift on the issue has been announced.

The comments are likely to fuel further discussion among politicians and commentators over how prominently EU relations should feature in future political and policy debates.