Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK should examine a range of possible future relationships with the European Union, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc.

Speaking in interviews following the Labour Party conference, Burnham said ministers should consider several options, ranging from maintaining the current arrangements to closer economic relationships with the EU.

The options discussed include a customs union, the EU single market and potentially full EU membership. Burnham said the government would examine what is feasible and assess the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches.

However, Burnham has also said the government remains committed during the current parliamentary term to Labour's existing manifesto position of staying outside the EU single market and customs union. Any major change would therefore involve a longer-term political process.

The comments come as the government prepares to consider the UK's wider relationship with Brussels. A UK-EU summit is also expected to form part of discussions about future cooperation.

The announcement has reopened a major debate over Britain's post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, with the government yet to set out a timetable for any change to the UK's current arrangements.