UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reopens Brexit debate as Emmanuel Macron welcomes potential EU return

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham broke a major political taboo on Wednesday by publicly floating the prospect of Britain rejoining the European Union, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to respond in English with a firm "Welcome back".

How did Andy Burnham propose re-evaluating Britain's relationship with the EU?

Speaking at the Labour Party's annual conference in Manchester and in subsequent broadcast interviews, Prime Minister Burnham—who assumed office in July following Keir Starmer's resignation—argued that the UK's 2020 departure from the EU had triggered "a decade of low growth" and done "more harm than good". Burnham stated that his administration would evaluate multiple structural options ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit in November, ranging from joining the European single market and customs union to full reintegration into the 27-member bloc.

"We have to look at what is doable, and what would be the pros and cons of each," Burnham told BBC Radio, suggesting that if public opinion consistently supports re-entry, Labour could include a pledge for a new EU referendum in its next election manifesto. According to reporting by The Guardian, recent polling by Survation indicates that 55 percent of UK voters would opt to rejoin the EU if a new vote were held today.

How have European leaders and domestic critics reacted?

Burnham's statements triggered swift reactions across Europe and within domestic political circles:

• European Warmth: Speaking in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the potential shift in British policy, declaring, "If the British want to come back... I think that is very good news both for his country and for Europeans. Come back". Sánchez echoed Macron's sentiment, promising Spain would "open its arms again," while European Commission spokesman Balázs Ujvári affirmed Brussels remains open to London's future proposals.
• Domestic Pushback: Political opposition erupted in the UK, with Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice accusing Burnham of attempting to "sneak us back into Brussels via the back door," while Conservative figures warned that reopening Brexit negotiations would re-ignite bitter political division.

According to reporting by The Independent and Channel 4 News, British officials are currently reviewing potential trade, energy-market, and youth mobility arrangements ahead of formal November discussions in Brussels.