French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Britain would be welcome to rejoin the European Union, according to multiple outlets reporting on remarks made Wednesday.
The comments came after a speech by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, according to the South China Morning Post.
Reuters and The Straits Times reported that Sánchez and Macron also agreed that Europe needs to strengthen its trade defences against China, linking the UK remarks to a broader discussion on EU economic policy.
The Straits Times reported the remarks were made in Madrid on September 30.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Independent and Bloomberg reported France and Spain urging or welcoming Britain to rejoin the EU.
- Coverage focused on the diplomatic gesture from Macron and Sánchez toward the UK.
“France and Spain urge Britain to rejoin the EU” — The Independent
Center
- Politico Europe quoted Macron and Sánchez saying the UK would be 'welcome' back in the EU.
- South China Morning Post tied the remarks to a speech by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
- Reuters and The Straits Times linked the UK remarks to a joint stance on strengthening EU trade defences against China.
- The Straits Times specified the comments were made in Madrid on September 30.
“Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences” — Reuters
Questions readers ask
What did France and Spain say about the UK rejoining the EU?
French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Britain would be welcomed back into the European Union if it chose to rejoin.
When and where were the comments made?
According to The Straits Times, the remarks were made on September 30 in Madrid.
What prompted the comments?
According to the South China Morning Post, the comments followed a speech by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Did the leaders discuss anything besides the UK and the EU?
Yes, Reuters and The Straits Times reported that Pedro Sánchez and Emmanuel Macron also agreed that Europe should strengthen its trade defences against China.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- BloombergLeft-leaningFrance and Spain Would Welcome Back UK If It Rejoined EU
- The IndependentLeft-leaningFrance and Spain urge Britain to rejoin the EU
- Deutsche WelleCenterFrance's Macron, Spain's Sanchez welcome idea of UK rejoining EU after Burnham remarks
- Politico EuropeCenterMacron and Sánchez say UK would be ‘welcome’ back in EU
- ReutersCenterSpain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences
- South China Morning PostCenterFrance and Spain welcome idea of UK rejoining EU after Burnham’s speech
- The Straits TimesCenterSpain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences