France and Spain say Britain would be welcomed back into EU

France and Spain have said the European Union would welcome the United Kingdom if it decided to rejoin the bloc, following remarks by new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham about the country’s future relationship with Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron said “welcome back” while speaking alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid. Mr.

Macron added that the British prime minister was moving in that direction and called the prospect good news for Britain and Europeans. Mr. Sánchez described Brexit as a major loss for the United Kingdom and Europe.

He said Spain would welcome Britain back and reopen its arms to what he called a brotherly people with which Spain maintained close relations. In a BBC interview, Mr. Burnham outlined three options for discussion at a UK-EU summit expected later this year: rejoining the EU, returning to the single market or entering a customs union.

European officials have nevertheless stressed that Britain must demonstrate its commitment through concrete action. Balazs Ujvari, a spokesman for the European Commission, described the UK as a close and valued partner but said it was for the British government to explain how it wanted to develop the relationship. An EU-UK summit is being prepared for November after an earlier meeting was postponed following the resignation of former prime minister Keir Starmer.

The summit is expected to address links between carbon markets, food and agricultural trade, and a youth mobility programme. Relations have improved since Labour came to power in 2024, but disagreements remain over proposed European industrial rules and Britain’s request to participate in some EU regulatory discussions. The Commission has said the UK has no right under the current arrangement to take part in the EU’s decision-making process.

The material does not indicate whether London has formally applied to rejoin any of the EU’s institutions.