RismadarVoice Reporters
September 30, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s openness to reconsidering the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union, including the possibility of eventually rejoining the bloc.
Burnham said Britain should examine a range of options for its future relationship with the EU as his government seeks closer ties with Europe.
Burnham argued that Brexit had caused significant economic and political disruption in Britain and said the country needed an open discussion about its long-term relationship with Europe.
The British prime minister said the options could include maintaining the existing relationship, joining a customs union, returning to the European single market or potentially seeking full EU membership.
Macron welcomed the comments while speaking alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid on Wednesday.
The French president said a decision by Britain to return to the European Union would be positive for both the UK and Europe.
He, however, stressed that closer integration would require Britain to accept the obligations associated with EU membership rather than selecting only particular benefits.
Sánchez also welcomed the prospect of Britain returning to the bloc, saying Spain would support such a move if the UK decided to pursue membership.
Burnham has not announced a decision to seek EU membership and has indicated that no immediate referendum is planned.
His comments nevertheless reopen a major political debate in Britain, which formally left the European Union in January 2020 following the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Opponents of reversing Brexit, including Reform UK and Conservative politicians, have criticised the prospect of reopening the question of EU membership.
The British government is expected to continue discussions with European leaders ahead of the next UK-EU summit later this year.
Burnham and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed preparations for the summit during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Future UK-EU discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation across areas including trade, migration and security as both sides consider the longer-term relationship between Britain and the bloc.
