British Prime Minister Andy Burnham raises the possibility of the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union, prompting a positive response from European leaders. In remarks reported by multiple outlets, French President Emmanuel Macron responds with the phrase “Welcome back,” addressing the reopened debate over the UK’s future relationship with Europe.
The comments come as Macron meets UK Prime Minister Burnham in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hosting a two-day visit. RFI and the South China Morning Post describe Macron and Sanchez as welcoming the idea, while noting Macron’s view that Burnham is moving in that direction. Free Malaysia Today similarly frames Burnham’s proposal as one possible answer to questions about Britain’s future ties with Europe. While the outlets differ mainly in detail and emphasis, they agree that Macron publicly signals openness to eventual UK re-entry and that the discussion centers on whether the UK could return to the EU rather than on immediate steps.
