French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Andy Burnham's suggestion that the United Kingdom could re‑join the European Union.

"Welcome back," Macron said in English, smiling at a news conference in Madrid.

The comment came as the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, floated the idea in a televised interview earlier this week. Burnham, who has long advocated closer ties with Europe, said a future British return would benefit both sides.

Macron continued in French, adding that a British move “if the prime minister is moving in that direction, I think that is very good news, both for his country and for the Europeans.” The French leader made the remarks alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who was also present at the press briefing.

Why the comment matters

Britain left the EU in 2020 after a 2016 referendum and has since negotiated a series of trade agreements to replace the bloc’s single market access. The departure has been a source of political division within the UK and has strained relations with European neighbours.

Burnham’s suggestion arrives at a time when the UK’s new government is seeking to stabilise trade talks and restore diplomatic goodwill. While no formal policy shift has been announced, the mayor’s proposal has sparked debate in Westminster and across the Channel.

European response

Macron’s warm reception signals a willingness among leading EU states to entertain the prospect of a British return, provided it aligns with the bloc’s rules. The French president’s endorsement may encourage other capitals to consider a pragmatic approach rather than a punitive one.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who joined Macron at the briefing, has previously called for a “constructive partnership” with the UK. His presence underscored the broader European interest in repairing ties that have been frayed by Brexit‑related disputes over fisheries, financial services and regulatory standards.

Political stakes at home

In the UK, Burnham’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Some Labour MPs have praised the mayor for “re‑opening the conversation” on Europe, while Conservative leaders have warned that any talk of re‑entry could destabilise the current government’s agenda.

Opposition parties are likely to seize on Macron’s comment to pressure the prime minister, who has so far avoided committing to a clear stance on EU membership. Analysts note that a formal invitation from any EU member would require consensus among all 27 states, a hurdle that could prove formidable.

What lies ahead

For now, the suggestion remains a talking point rather than a policy proposal. The next step will likely be a series of diplomatic exchanges in Brussels, where the European Commission will assess the feasibility of a UK return.

Both Paris and Madrid have indicated that they would welcome a “smooth and orderly” reintegration, should the British government decide to pursue it. The coming weeks may see further statements from EU officials, as well as a possible parliamentary debate in Westminster on the merits and costs of re‑joining the bloc.