Prime Minister Andy Burnham has floated the possibility of the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union, stating that Brexit has done more harm than good. This marks the first time since the 2016 referendum that a prime minister has suggested the country could return to the bloc.
Speaking at a Labour party conference and in a broadcast interview, the Prime Minister said he is weighing a range of options for the future relationship with Europe, including full membership. Burnham vowed to lay out ideas for the UK's long-term relationship with European partners at a UK-EU summit later this year and indicated he could campaign to take Britain back into the EU at the next general election.
The suggestion has been met with a warm reaction from European leaders. Speaking alongside the leader of Spain in Madrid, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the possibility, stating that if the British want to return and the prime minister moves in that direction, it would be very good news for both the UK and Europeans.