French finance minister invites Britain to return to EU

French finance minister Roland Lescure has invited Britain to return to the European Union, saying the decision would be for British voters. His remarks to the BBC followed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s suggestion that a second Brexit referendum could feature in a future Labour election manifesto. [1]

Asked about Burnham’s comments, 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.” He added: “But what I can tell them is: come back, anytime.”

Burnham has not committed to another referendum. The previous week, he said the UK should consider options ranging from its current position to rejoining the customs union or single market, or going “all the way”. [1]

The exchange also comes as Britain faces questions about the proposed Made In Europe scheme, which would give companies inside the EU priority for public contracts and subsidies. Burnham has warned that it could harm British industry and supply chains. The EU car industry has called for Britain to be included to avoid disruption to its own supply chains. [1]

Asked about the possibility of Britain being excluded, Lescure replied: “Come back, and you'll be at the table, and we discuss all these things together.”