Macron says ‘welcome back’ after Burnham floats UK’s return to EU

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the idea of Britain rejoining the European Union, saying it would be "very good news" for both the country and Europeans. Macron made the remarks at a news conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Burnham, who became UK Prime Minister in July following Labour MPs' ousting of Keir Starmer, suggested in an interview that rejoining the EU could be one of the potential answers to determining Britain's future relationship with Europe.

Burnham made his comments after informing his party's annual conference that he would outline various options for future ties with the EU closer to a planned summit with the bloc later in the year. Macron praised the British for their "usefulness" in simplifying matters when the UK was part of the EU and called them "demanding partners."

He also emphasized that the UK cannot choose between the freedoms of the union and decide to take what suits them without the rest. Sanchez echoed Macron's sentiments, calling Brexit a "huge loss" for both the British population and the European project. He added that if the UK were to seek to rejoin the bloc, Spain would be supportive and open its arms to a "brotherly people."