'Welcome back,' says Macron, as UK PM opens door to EU return

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the idea after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK could consider rejoining the EU.

France's President Emmanuel Macron addresses the audience during a press conference at the presidential Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Sep 18, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Samson)

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LONDON: Andy Burnham put the idea of Britain rejoining the EU on the table Wednesday (Sep 30), breaking a taboo for a UK prime minister and leading French President Emmanuel Macron to declare in English: "Welcome back."

Burnham reopened the divisive Brexit debate by saying his centre-left Labour government could go "all the way" and propose membership of the bloc as one possible way to boost relationships with Europe.

Right-wing rivals immediately criticised the comments, as the UK appeared to be gearing up for a re-run of the bitter "Brexit wars" that dominated politics after the contentious 2016 vote to leave the European Union.

Burnham, premier since July after Labour MPs turfed out Keir Starmer, told his party's annual conference in Manchester on Tuesday that Britain's departure in 2020 had done "more harm than good".

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