Prime Minister Burnham is due to address the House of Commons and will argue that rejecting closer ties with the European Union would be a "dereliction of duty," officials said. He is expected to press colleagues to consider a renewed settlement with the EU, saying such a deal could play a role in tackling illegal immigration and supporting the country's economic prospects.
In his remarks, the prime minister will link the case for a new agreement to two pressing policy priorities: stemming the flow of illegal migration and bolstering growth. Government sources indicated he will frame a fresh EU accord as a practical tool to address those challenges rather than an ideological choice.
The Commons speech comes amid ongoing debate among lawmakers about the future relationship with the EU and how best to manage cross-border enforcement and trade. Supporters of closer engagement say coordination with European partners can improve border controls and open markets for goods and services, while opponents often stress sovereignty and domestic controls.
Burnham's intervention is likely to intensify discussion within Parliament about the trade-offs involved in any new arrangement with the EU. Lawmakers will scrutinise how proposed measures would work in practice and whether they deliver the immigration and economic outcomes the prime minister outlines.
The government has not published detailed terms of any prospective deal in the material released ahead of the speech. Parliamentary opponents and allies will watch the address for signals about next steps, including whether ministers intend to seek formal negotiations or changes to policy direction in response to the prime minister's appeal.