Macron welcomes possible UK return to EU after Burnham remarks

September 30, 2026 at 07:37 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the possibility of Britain rejoining the European Union during a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. He said it would be excellent news for both Britain and Europeans if Prime Minister Andy Burnham pursued that path. Macron also urged Britain to return, saying it cannot enjoy EU freedoms while rejecting obligations.

Key Facts

Macron made the remarks at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid on the final day of his visit to Spain.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on BBC Radio 4 that Brexit has brought more harm than benefit to the UK.
On 24 September, former Prime Minister Tony Blair called for Britain to work towards rejoining a reformed EU within ten years.
On 28 September, London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged the government to begin preparing for EU membership without a new referendum.
The i Paper reported that some ministers support including an EU return commitment in the next election manifesto, while one government member called it unrealistic.

Macron's Response

Macron said "Welcome back" when asked about Burnham's statement that rejoining the EU is one of the options before Britain. He added that if the British want to rejoin and Burnham moves in that direction, it would be excellent news for both their country and Europeans. Macron stressed that bilateral relations between France and Britain continue in areas such as defence, security and migration. He said it is not possible to benefit from EU freedoms while rejecting things that do not suit, and called on the British to return. Macron was quoted by The Guardian as saying: "Welcome back! I think it would be a wise decision. And I believe he is right to show such courage; in any case we will try to help make it happen."

British Political Debate

Burnham told BBC Radio 4 that Brexit has caused more harm than benefit to the UK. He said he would not contradict his earlier statement that he wants to see Britain rejoin the EU in his lifetime. Burnham said he is ready to go "all the way" and propose the country's return to the EU, and does not want to leave the question hanging. On 24 September, Tony Blair called for Britain to work towards rejoining a reformed EU within ten years, during which the country should restore economic and technological strength. On 28 September, Sadiq Khan urged the government to begin preparing for EU membership without a new referendum and proposed returning to the customs union and seeking associate membership.

Government Divisions

The i Paper reported that some ministers support including an EU return commitment in the next election manifesto. One government member described the return as unrealistic, according to the same report. The debate follows Burnham's statement that he intends to clearly define the direction Britain will take in the next decade.