John Healey admits the UK could sign up to EU freedom of movement after general election

Mr Healey, whose Rawmarsh and Conisbrough constituency voted by more than two-thirds to leave the EU in 2016, told GB News: “Freedom of movement is not on the agenda, and certainly for this Parliament it’s ruled out .”

However, he left the door open to the UK signing up again to freedom of movement – mirroring Ireland’s arrangement with the EU – after the next general election.

He said: “Inevitably it’s part of a bigger discussion about how we get a better Brexit deal and Britain does better after the ten years of Brexit deal that’s failing the country.

“Now, the Prime Minister wants that bigger conversation. My first focus is this European Summit that’s coming up next month, and I want to make sure that we can negotiate some better terms and lower costs for our business.

“It’ll create jobs, improve trade and if we can help bring down costs for consumers here, that’s a good thing.”

Asked if he were in favour of the UK entering the EU if it helps the economy, Mr Healey said: “No, I’m in favour of accepting that we’ve got a Brexit decision.

“And I’m in favour of the job we need to do now, which is to make the best of the terms we’ve got. And my job as Chancellor is to make sure that we can reinforce the economy.

“We can create the support for those people who are ready to start and rapidly grow firms here.

“And I want them to stay here. That’s why measures I took in the Budget will boost investment.

“It’ll reinforce innovation. And it will also help try and create the wealth that we need to create the jobs.”