French Finance Minister Roland Lescure invited Britain to rejoin the European Union fully, saying "come back, anytime" after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled a second Brexit referendum was "possible" in a future Labour election manifesto.
Burnham last week said the UK needed to "consider the options," ranging from staying outside the bloc, rejoining the customs union or single market, or going "all the way" back to full membership. Lescure told the BBC that while the British people had the right to decide, the EU would welcome their return.
The invitation came as Burnham expressed concerns about how British industry could be affected by the EU's planned Made In Europe scheme. The proposals aim to protect EU manufacturers from Chinese competitors by giving companies inside the bloc priority for public contracts and subsidies. Burnham warned the scheme would damage UK supply chains and industry.
Lescure responded directly to the threat of exclusion. "Come back, and you'll be at the table, and we discuss all these things together," he said. The EU's car industry has separately called for the UK to be included to prevent disruption to its own supply chains.
Lescure acknowledged that EU membership comes with difficulties but said it enables member states to address global challenges more effectively. He did not elaborate on specific benefits or terms that might accompany UK rejoining.
The finance minister's comments reflect growing European interest in repairing the UK relationship after years of post-Brexit tension. His invitation suggests the EU would be receptive to formal overtures, though any return would require negotiation and British public support through a referendum or election mandate.
Burnham's openness to a second referendum marks a significant shift from prior Labour positions and suggests the party may make EU relations a campaign issue if it wins power.