A French minister has once again opened the door for Britain to rejoin the EU, despite the wishes of the 17,410,742 Britons who voted for Brexit.
Claiming Brexit has “failed,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also voiced support for Andy Burnham — who has previously expressed support for Britain rejoining the bloc — to become Prime Minister.
During his campaign, Burnham said he was “not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU,” while stressing that he respected the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
When asked whether he wanted the Makerfield MP to become Prime Minister, Barrot told France 5: “I hope he succeeds in securing the role he’s aiming for, though there are still several internal steps to go through.
“He’s made a strong start, and above all, we need as much stability as possible, even as Brexit continues to have consequences.”
France has recorded GDP growth broadly similar to the UK since Brexit, despite remaining firmly inside the EU.
Barrot also argued that Brexit had “failed to deliver on its promises,” insisting Britain had become weaker outside the bloc.
He added that France would be willing to discuss a potential “Breturn.”
“We are fully prepared to open the door for the United Kingdom to return to the European Union, which brings both rights and responsibilities,” he said.
“Talks have already begun between the UK and the European Union to rebuild ties.”
Barrot has served as France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs since 2024.
A planned EU-UK summit on July 22 was delayed after Sir Keir Starmer announced his intention to step down as Labour leader.
Food standards, a youth mobility scheme, and emissions trading were expected to be key topics before the summit was rescheduled.
French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Starmer for helping strengthen Franco-British relations and for his efforts to improve ties between Britain and the EU following his resignation.
Macron also claimed that French politicians once discussing “Frexit,” such as Marine Le Pen, have changed their stance since Britain left the bloc.
Barrot is not the only French politician openly calling for Britain to reconsider Brexit.
Gabriel Attal, a close Macron ally and presidential candidate for his party, wrote in Le Figaro about his hope of rebuilding relations with the UK.
“I have one wish: that my generation may see the United Kingdom rejoin the European Union,” the 37-year-old said.
He added: “As Britain prepares for a new Prime Minister, we must build a new relationship with one goal — creating the conditions for re-accession.”
Attal said a European Union with Britain “at its heart” would make both France and the bloc stronger.
Attal became France’s youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister at just 34 after being appointed by Macron.
He later lost the role after Macron called a snap election, but remains leader of the Renaissance party.
