France And Spain Welcome Prospect Of Britain Rejoining European Union
European leaders expressed openness to reversing Brexit after the British prime minister suggested the United Kingdom could seek full membership again.
The leaders of France and Spain said Wednesday in Madrid that they would welcome the United Kingdom back into the European Union. Their remarks followed comments by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who refused to rule out seeking full membership again.
Speaking at a joint news conference during a visit to Spain, French President Emmanuel Macron said a British move to rejoin would be good news for both Britain and Europe. He praised Burnham for showing boldness by raising the issue.
However, Macron also cautioned that Britain cannot selectively choose benefits from the European Union while staying outside the bloc. He said a nation cannot pick and choose among the freedoms of the union.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez backed Macron, describing Britain's departure as a major loss for both the British public and the European project. Sanchez stated that Spain would open its arms to the British people if their government pursued a return.
The remarks came after Burnham told British media that rejoining the European Union was among the possible choices for the future. Burnham took office in July after Labour lawmakers removed Keir Starmer from power.
Earlier in the week, Burnham told the Labour Party conference that leaving the bloc had done more harm than good. He said the country must decide on a long-term relationship with its nearest neighbors.
Burnham later told the BBC that London could evaluate staying with the current arrangement, joining the single market, entering a customs union or seeking full membership. Right-wing opposition figures in London criticized his remarks, accusing him of reopening divisive debates.
European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari said the United Kingdom remains a close partner. He noted that British authorities must decide how they wish to shape ties going forward.
Burnham said his government will present specific proposals for future ties ahead of a planned summit between Britain and the European Union later this year.
