Andy Burnham is facing a furious backlash after he hinted at a bid to rejoin the EU - months after saying the move would damage democracy.

The Prime Minister used his conference speech yesterday to blame Brexit for many of Britain's problems, saying he will spell out options for the future at a summit with Brussels later this year.

Emmanuel Macron hailed the comments as 'excellent news' - as Brussels demands deep concessions in return for better trade terms.   

But the move has sparked concerns within his party, with Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra warning rejoining to the bloc is 'unrealistic'. Many believe the UK would be forced to accept the euro and make huge financial contributions to get back in.

The stance also represents a dramatic U-turn for Mr Burnham, who in May told a conference in Leeds: 'I am not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU.

'I respect the decision that was made at the referendum and it is going to undermine everything I have said about strengthening democracy if we don't respect that vote.'   

In interviews following his speech, the Prime Minister denied that he was breaking his own word to Leave-backing voters in his Makerfield constituency. 

'I'm not proposing any precise option for our relationship with Europe right now. What I'm saying is let us have a look at the options,' he told Channel 4 News.

Mr Burnham also frantically dodged when he was pressed whether he would call another referendum before restoring ties with the EU. 

He told the BBC he did not want to leave the issue 'hanging' and he wanted to be clear on 'where we want Britain to go in the next decade'.

Asked whether he wanted the UK to rejoin the bloc, Mr Burnham told Radio 4's Today programme he wanted to 'look at the options'. 

He added: 'We could stay as we are. That's definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay,' he told the programme.

'We could look at what (former Conservative chancellor) George Osborne has said about a customs union, we could look at what the Liberal Democrats said at their conference about the single market or we could go all the way.'

Labour's election manifesto in 2024 ruled out joining a customs union, going back into the single market or allowing the return of freedom of movement with the EU.

But Mr Burnham has indicated he is prepared to recommend going beyond those red lines in future.

'There are clearly options that need to be considered, and we have to look at what is doable and what would be the pros and cons of each,' he told the BBC.

The Prime Minister added that the need for a debate about the UK's future relationship with Europe was part of his plan to shift the country in a new direction.

'We've been in a rut. The country hasn't been working for people as it should,' he told BBC Breakfast.

Responding to Mr Burnham's intervention at a meeting with Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez today, Emmanuel Macron said the move would be 'excellent news' and a 'good decision'.

Mr Sanchez said Spain would welcome Britain back in the EU 'with open arms.'

The French leader added the British had 'always been useful in helping us simplify things' when the UK was part of the EU and were 'demanding partners'.

Tory Deputy Leader Alex Burghart said: 'You cannot trust a word Andy Burnham says. 

'Just a few weeks ago he said he wanted to move on from the Brexit arguments and now he is dragging Britain back into them by floating the prospect of rejoining the EU. 

'Labour cannot blame a democratic vote from over a decade ago for the consequences of their own economic decisions. While they look backwards, the Conservatives will look forwards.'