Burnham reopens Brexit debate

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said this week it is possible Labour's next election manifesto could include a referendum on rejoining the EU, reopening Britain's Brexit debate.

Germany backs UK return

Germany's ambassador to the UK, Susanne Baumann, told the Telegraph she was glad to hear the prime minister's fresh approach to Europe and that Germany would be a partner.

“For us Germans, the UK is an integral part of Europe, its history, its present and its future.”

France and Spain also support

French president Emmanuel Macron said it would be excellent news and a good decision if Britain rejoined, while Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez said Britain would be welcome back with open arms.

Burnham's lifetime ambition

Before entering Downing Street, Burnham said he wanted to see the UK back in the EU within his lifetime. Asked on Sky News whether he stood by that, he said he had not pulled back from it.

“I said in my lifetime and I've said that I'm not going to pull back from that.”

Macron warns on membership terms

Emmanuel Macron cautioned there would be no halfway house on membership requirements, saying Britain cannot pick and choose among the union's freedoms or take only what suits it.

“you cannot pick and choose among the union's freedoms, nor can you decide to take only what suits you while rejecting the rest”

Rejoin would require full compliance

Former EU Brexit officials have warned the UK would not enjoy exceptional terms if it rejoined. The UK could have to join the Euro, join the Schengen passport-free zone, and would unlikely get its previous rebate.