Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has branded former prime minister David Cameron as "useless" after Cameron warned against trying to reverse Brexit.
Marra's comments came as the debate intensifies over whether the UK should pursue a closer relationship with the European Union.
It also comes as Andy Burnham is set to meet EU leaders in Brussels next week after pledging to "explore options" over strengthening links with the bloc.
Marra's Call for EU Rejoining
Marra went further this week when he used his first policy speech as Scottish Labour leader to declare that rejoining the EU would be in "Scotland's interests" and called for the PM to make it a manifesto pledge ahead of the next election.
But Cameron warned rejoining would be "very long and painful" and claimed the UK's economic problems over the last 10 years are not because of Brexit.
That argument was dismissed by Marra, who blasted the former Tory leader for "risking the UK's place in Europe to placate the right wing of his party".
Cameron's Record Attacked
Marra said: "David Cameron arguing against the UK joining the EU is like an arsonist who sets fire to the house and then says it would be too difficult and divisive to call the fire brigade, what utter rubbish.
"This is a man who as Prime Minister always put the interests of the Tory party and his rich pals before the interests of working people in this country.
"Cameron risked the UK's place in Europe to placate the right wing of his party; he made a pig's ear of the referendum campaign and that decision has costs the country billions of pounds in growth and added hundreds of pounds to household bills.
"He was such an unpopular, useless, feckless Prime Minister that the vote to leave for many people was a vote against the austerity polices of his government.
"He's last person we should be taking advice on Europe from.
"The UK rejoining the UK would strengthen our security, grow our economy and deliver more opportunities for young people. That's why Scottish Labour is arguing for it, to deliver a stronger Scotland in a changing UK."
Burnham Rejects Cameron's View
Burnham also rejected Cameron's argument, telling reporters: "I think he is wrong to say that the low growth that we've had over the last decade is, quote, 'nothing to do with Brexit.'
"I would say the evidence says otherwise, and indeed the Treasury analysis says otherwise, which is if we are able to come to a good working arrangement on emissions trading, on agri-food, on other things as well, that we can add growth to the British economy. So I think he is wrong to say that.
"It feels like his intervention is more about unity in the Conservative Party than it is about fighting for the British, the British interests.
"So just to finish, though, no one's talking about rejoin. This is a deal that is about the next seven days."
