French Finance Minister Invites UK Back to EU
Roland Lescure suggests Britain could rejoin the bloc if it chooses, following comments from Andy Burnham on the possibility of a second Brexit referendum.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has extended an invitation for Britain to rejoin the European Union, stating the UK is welcome back "anytime." The remarks come after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated that a second Brexit referendum could be a possibility in a future Labour election manifesto.
Lescure acknowledged that membership in the bloc presents challenges but emphasized that it allows member states to collectively address global issues more effectively. Burnham recently suggested that the UK must "consider the options" regarding its relationship with the EU, which could range from maintaining the current status quo to rejoining the customs union or single market, or pursuing full re-entry.
When asked about Burnham's comments, Lescure told the BBC, "British people decided, and that's obviously their 100% right, and if they're willing to come back, they will have to decide." He reiterated, "But what I can tell them is: come back, anytime."
Burnham had previously expressed concern that proposed EU regulations, known as the "Made In Europe" scheme, could negatively impact British industry and supply chains. These proposals aim to shield European manufacturers from Chinese competition by prioritizing companies within the EU for public contracts and subsidies. The EU's automotive sector has advocated for the UK's inclusion to avoid disruptions to its own supply networks.
Addressing the potential exclusion of Britain from such schemes, Lescure stated, "Come back, and you'll be at the table, and we discuss all these things together."