French minister invites UK to ‘come all the way back’ to EU
French finance minister Roland Lescure has invited the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union, stating that British citizens have the right to decide their future. Speaking to the BBC, Lescure said, “British people decided, and that’s obviously their 100% right, and if they’re willing to come back, they will have to decide. But what I can tell them is: come back, anytime.” He emphasized the need for Britain’s return to face emerging global threats together.
The remarks follow UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent comments at the Labour conference, where he pledged to explore closer ties with the bloc and suggested that Brexit had caused “more harm than good.” Burnham outlined several options for the UK-EU relationship, including a customs union, returning to the single market, or full membership. He said ministers would examine “what is doable” and the “pros and cons” of each option.
Political reactions and upcoming talks
Burnham is scheduled to travel to Germany for talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose government is supportive of exploring closer UK-EU links. They are expected to agree on a deal for closer security cooperation against cyber-attacks and discuss UK-EU relations. Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed that Burnham’s revival of the Brexit debate gave him “the biggest boost in my career,” dismissing polls showing 59% public support for rejoining the EU by citing costs and commitments such as Schengen and the euro.
