France and Spain Would Welcome Back UK If It Rejoined EU

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1. 3h ago

   France and Spain Back UK Return to EU

   France and Spain have stated they would welcome the United Kingdom back into the European Union if the country chose to rejoin. French President Emmanuel Macron described the possibility as excellent news and stated welcome back in English during a news conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Sanchez added that Spain would greet a British return with open arms. The statements follow suggestions from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham that rejoining the European Union is among the options for the country.

   Why it matters

   The remarks mark a significant shift in European political discourse regarding British membership years after Brexit. While continental leaders expressed readiness to accept the United Kingdom back, Macron emphasized that any return would require full membership rather than selected benefits. Meanwhile, domestic political debate in Britain has intensified over whether a future Labour manifesto could feature another referendum.

   What is confirmed

   • French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated they would welcome the UK back to the European Union.
   • Emmanuel Macron described the prospect of the UK returning to the EU as excellent news during a news conference in Madrid.
   • Pedro Sanchez stated that Spain would welcome Britain back with open arms.
   • Emmanuel Macron stated that the UK would be expected to take full membership rather than selected benefits if it rejoined.

   Still unconfirmed

   • No 10 is currently gathering evidence on public support for rejoining the European Union.
   • A future Labour manifesto could feature a new Brexit referendum.

   What to watch next

   • Any official policy shifts or announcements from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding an EU referendum
   • Further responses from other European Union member states or leadership regarding British membership terms
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. BBC — Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Andy Burnham
   2. reuters.com — Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences
   3. Bloomberg.com — France and Spain Would Welcome Back UK If It Rejoined EU
   4. The Guardian — Macron says ‘welcome back’ to Burnham suggestion UK could rejoin EU
   5. Financial Times — Will Andy Burnham reverse Brexit?
   6. independent.co.uk — Does Britain want to rejoin the EU? Here’s what the polls say
   7. The Guardian — No 10 gathering evidence on public support for rejoining the EU
   8. dw.com — France, Spain welcome idea of UK rejoining EU
   9. France 24 — Macron says UK’s return to EU would be ‘excellent news’
   10. Financial Times — Burnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthrough
   11. politico.eu — Farage spoils for a Brexit brawl with Burnham
   12. nhk.or.jp — Burnham hints UK could rejoin EU | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
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