France opens door to UK return

French finance minister Roland Lescure said the UK would be welcome to rejoin the European Union anytime, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham visits Berlin.

“come back, anytime”

Burnham's first talks with Merz

Andy Burnham held his first face-to-face talks with German chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, focusing on rebuilding Britain's ties to the EU.

UK and Germany sign security pact

The two countries established a joint UK-Germany security framework aimed at countering cyber attacks, sabotage and hybrid threats from hostile foreign actors, particularly Russia.

Framework includes intelligence sharing

The strategic agreement will see both countries share intelligence and coordinate action to monitor, deter and disrupt potential dangers while building resilience around critical national infrastructure.

Burnham hints at EU referendum

Prime Minister Burnham last week acknowledged he could propose rejoining the EU and suggested Labour's next election manifesto could include an in-out referendum on the question.

Lescure: decision rests with British

French finance minister Roland Lescure said it was up to the British public whether to return to the EU, but said they could come back anytime if they chose to.

“British people decided, and that's obviously their one hundred per cent right, and if they're willing to come back, they will have to decide.”

Germany warns on tariff conditions

The German chancellor is reported to be planning to warn Burnham that rejoining the EU will not be possible unless the UK raises tariffs on Chinese electric cars from ten percent to forty-five percent.

Burnham open to fighter jet project

In Berlin, Burnham said he was open to Germany joining Gcap, the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint UK, Italy and Japan project to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet.

“We are talking today about defence collaboration, and I've indicated to the Chancellor our openness to Germany joining Gcap, the next generation of fighter aircraft.”

Kensington Treaty formally ratified

Burnham and Merz formally ratified the Kensington Treaty, signed in July last year, committing both nations to significantly deeper cooperation across science, technology, defence, security and growth.

Business leaders convene for growth

Burnham and Merz convened a UK-Germany Regional Growth Forum featuring British and German business leaders aimed at driving investment, deepening industrial ties and ensuring economic benefits reach communities.

Russia suspected in airport attack

Concerns about sabotage and hybrid threats are rising in both countries. Germany's interior minister Alexander Dobrindt said the Leipzig airport attack followed the well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe.

Moscow denies involvement in attack

Russian president Vladimir Putin accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Moscow for the Leipzig airport incident, where drones were found near Ukrainian cargo planes in August.