Focus – “Welcome back!” Macron welcomes the idea of Britain returning to the EU

MADRID, September 30 /ATSH – DPA/ – French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the reopened debate in Britain on the possibility of the country returning to the European Union, describing such a development as good news both for the British and for Europe.

“Welcome back!”, Macron said in English, commenting on British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s statements on the future of relations between the United Kingdom and the EU.

“If the British want to come back and if the prime minister moves in this direction, I think it is very good news both for his country and for Europeans”, Macron declared at a press conference in Madrid, adding: “Come back.”

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had stated on Tuesday that his government intends to present “different options” for long-term relations with the European Union at a summit expected to be held by the end of the year.

A day later, he clarified that the United Kingdom’s return to the EU is also one of the options that could be considered.

Macron praised Britain’s historic role in Europe, describing the British as “demanding partners” who have helped simplify European processes. According to him, Burnham “is right to show this courage”.

The French president also stressed the limitations of Britain moving closer to the EU while remaining outside the Union, ten years after the referendum that led to Brexit.

“It is impossible to choose only among the freedoms of the Union, and you cannot decide to take what suits you and reject the rest”, Macron said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed himself along the same lines, saying Brexit had been a great loss both for the British people and for the European project.

If Britain were to decide to move closer to the EU again, Sanchez said Spain would welcome it and would “open its arms again” to the British people.