UK PM Burnham reopens divisive debate on rejoining EU

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that rejoining the European Union could be an option for the UK's long-term relationship with the bloc. According to France 24, Burnham's comments have reopened the divisive Brexit debate.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have welcomed the idea of the UK rejoining the EU. Macron said "Welcome back" and added that it would be "very good news" for both the UK and Europe, as reported by DW News and DW English. Sanchez described the UK's decision to leave the EU in 2016 as a "huge loss" for both the British population and the European project, and said Spain would "applaud" and "open its arms" to a returned Britain.

The European Commission has stated that it is up to the UK government to set out how it wishes to develop its relationship with the EU. According to the New Voice of Ukraine, Burnham reportedly said that rejoining the EU could be among the options his government considers. The South China Morning Post reported that Burnham outlined three options for the UK's relationship with the EU, including rejoining the EU, rejoining the single market, or entering a customs union.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, DW News, DW English (Top Stories), New Voice of Ukraine, South China Morning Post — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.