'Come all the way' back to EU, French finance minister tells UK
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has invited the UK to rejoin the EU following comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding a potential referendum. The discussion also touched on French student protests and EU industrial protectionism.
Why it matters
The invitation highlights ongoing post-Brexit tensions and the potential for shifting political alliances regarding European trade and industrial policy.
Figure caption, Watch: Roland Lescure says Britain leaving the EU was "very sad"
French finance minister Roland Lescure has invited Britain to "come all the way" back to the EU, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled a second Brexit referendum was "possible" in a future Labour election manifesto.
Lescure said being in the bloc comes with some difficulties, but it enables members to better address the challenges facing the world.
Last week, Burnham said the UK needed to "consider the options", ranging from staying as is, rejoining the customs union or single market, or going "all the way".
Asked about the PM's comments, Lescure told the BBC: "British people decided, and that's obviously their 100% right, and if they're willing to come back, they will have to decide."
"But what I can tell them is: come back, anytime."
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