Andy Burnham: 'We need to bring forward EU referendum'

Labour party leadership contender Andy Burnham has called for the promised referendum on Britain's membership of the EU to be brought forward, to avoid a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Describing himself as a "strong pro-European", Burnham said he had seen how public opinion had been changing and appreciated the public appetite for a referendum.

He also spoke out in favour of a "credible package of reforms on immigration".

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to renegotiate the terms of Britain's relationship with Europe ahead of a referendum in 2017.