1 hr ago
Macron Welcomes UK Return After Burnham Floats EU Rejoining Idea
The United Kingdom left the European Union after Brexit.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain might someday consider joining the EU again.
He also said there could be other ways to build a closer relationship with Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the idea.
He said Britain had been a helpful, though demanding, partner before Brexit.
Macron also said Britain could not choose only the parts of EU membership it liked while staying outside.
Spain’s prime minister agreed that Brexit had been a big loss.
He said Spain would welcome Britain back if it decided to rejoin.
French President Emmanuel Macron said “Welcome back” after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham raised the possibility of rejoining the European Union.
Burnham said rejoining the EU was one potential answer to questions about Britain’s future relationship with Europe.
He plans to present different options for closer EU ties before a planned UK-EU summit later this year.
Macron said Britain had been a useful and demanding EU partner, but could not selectively choose the bloc’s freedoms while remaining outside it.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Brexit a major loss and said Spain would welcome Britain back into the EU.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
- What
- Burnham floated rejoining the European Union as one possible future for Britain, prompting supportive responses from Macron and Sanchez.
- Where
- Macron spoke at a news conference in Madrid alongside Sanchez.
- When
- The comments were made on Wednesday; Burnham referred to a planned summit with the EU later this year.
- Why
- Burnham said Britain must address its future relationship with Europe and would present different options for closer ties.
Closer European integration
Remaining outside the bloc
Britain’s future relationship with Europe
Closer European integration
Burnham presented rejoining the European Union as one possible answer, while Macron and Sanchez expressed support for a return.
Remaining outside the bloc
Macron said the UK could not remain outside the EU while taking only the freedoms and benefits it preferred.
Assessment of Brexit
Closer European integration
Sanchez described Brexit as a huge loss for the British population and the European project.
Remaining outside the bloc
The article does not quote a defense of Brexit, but Burnham’s proposal to consider different future options leaves open alternatives short of rejoining.
Key facts
- UK prime minister
- Andy Burnham
- French response
- Emmanuel Macron said, “Welcome back.”
- Spanish response
- Pedro Sanchez said Spain would welcome Britain back into the EU.
- Possible future option
- Rejoining the European Union
- Planned discussion
- Burnham said he would set out different options for future EU ties.
- Macron’s qualification
- He said the UK could not selectively choose the EU’s freedoms while remaining outside the bloc.
- Brexit assessment
- Sanchez called Brexit a huge loss for Britain and the European project.
Quotes
Emmanuel Macron
President of France
“If the British want to come back and if the prime minister is moving in that direction, I think that is very good news both for his country and for Europeans.”
NDTV
“then of course Spain would applaud it and open its arms again to a brotherly people”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Andy Burnham Opens Debate on Britain’s Possible EU Return
Spain and France Back UK Return, Tougher China Trade Defences
Burnham seeks consensus on closer UK-EU ties amid Brexit debate
France Backs Closer Canada-EU Ties and Associate Membership
Burnham puts EU rejoining among options after Brexit criticism
Macron, Carney Meet in Saint Pierre and Miquelon Amid Tensions
French Students Protest School Conditions as Arrests and Injuries Rise
French strikes and student protests pressure Macron before 2027 budget
Europe Weighs Delay to Methane Rules Amid Energy Fears
