French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Wednesday they would welcome a possible return by Britain to the European Union, speaking at a joint news conference in Madrid after meeting.
Macron called the prospect of Britain moving toward rejoining the bloc “excellent news,” saying it would be positive for both the United Kingdom and Europe. Addressing the British people in English, he said: “Welcome back.”
Sánchez said Spain would greet Britain “with open arms.”
Their comments follow remarks by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who reopened the debate over his country’s future relationship with the EU. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Burnham said the government is prepared to consider different options for the long-term relationship.
In later remarks, he said the options on the table range from maintaining the current arrangement and a customs union to returning to the single market or even full EU membership.
