Macron and Sanchez signal openness to UK rejoining European Union
French President and Spanish Prime Minister welcome potential future UK return to the bloc
Quick Look
French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated the EU would welcome the UK back to the bloc, following comments by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting a potential future return.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The UK withdrew from the European Union following the 2016 referendum. Andy Burnham is the current UK Prime Minister.
The European Union would embrace the UK if it ever decided to rejoin the bloc, the leaders of Spain and France said shortly after new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham floated the possibility.
“Welcome back,” French President Emmanuel Macron quipped in English, speaking Wednesday in Madrid alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is hosting the leader on a two-day visit.
“This prime minister is moving in that direction,” Macron added. “I think it’s very good news both for his country and for the Europeans.”
Sanchez called Brexit a “huge loss” for the UK population and Europe, but stressed that Spain would “certainly welcome” a returned Britain “and open its arms once again to a brotherly people with whom Spain has such good relations in every sphere”.
Open Questions
- What specific mechanisms would facilitate a UK re-entry?
- How will the UK public react to these overtures?
