'Negotiations have begun!' France invites Britain back into EU and claims Brexit has 'failed'

A French minister has flung open the doors for Britain to return to the EU - in the face of the wishes of 17,410,742 British voters.

Claiming Brexit has "failed", Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Foreign Minister also backed Andy Burnham - who previously said he would like to see Britain rejoin the bloc - to become Prime Minister.

Mr Burnham said while campaigning he was "not proposing that the UK considers rejoining the EU", adding that he respected the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Now, when asked whether he would like the Makerfield MP to become Prime Minister, Mr Barrot told France 5: "I hope, at any rate, that he does indeed manage to secure the post he's aiming for, because there are, after all, a number of internal procedures.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

"He's off to a good start. And then as much stability as possible, despite Brexit continuing to have an impact."

France has recorded near-identical GDP growth to the UK since Brexit, despite remaining at the heart of the EU.

Mr Barrot then vented at how Brexit had "failed to deliver any of its promises" and declared that Britain had become weaker without the EU.

He also said France was prepared to discuss a "Breturn".

"As for us, we're absolutely ready to open the door to the United Kingdom for a return to the European Union, which, it's true, comes with rights but also duties," he said.

"Negotiations have already begun between the UK and the European Union to re-establish ties."

Mr 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 resign as Labour leader.

MORE ON FRANCE:

• Marine Le Pen could stop Britain rejoining EU if she wins power in France
• Hundreds of riot officers deployed to French beaches to stop small boat crossings
• Britons to subsidise French energy bills as 'wasteful' rules mean £16bn sold off for cheap overseas

Food standards, a youth mobility programme, and emissions trading systems were all set to be discussed the announced rescheduling.

French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Sir Keir for his "contribution to strengthening Franco-British relations" and efforts to "restore relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union" after his resignation.

He also claimed those in French politics discussing a "Frexit", such as Marine Le Pen, have now "changed their tune" after Britain left the bloc.

But he is not the only French politician to openly call on Britain to reject its own people's wishes.

Gabriel Attal, an ally of Mr Macron and the presidential candidate for his party, wrote in French outlet Le Figaro his hopes to rebuild relations with the UK.

"I have one wish: that my generation might see the United Kingdom rejoin the European Union," the 37-year-old said.

He added: "When a new Prime Minister is about to take the helm of Britain, we must also establish a new relationship with one objective: to create the conditions to enable re-accession."

The presidential candidate said a European Union with "Britain at its heart" creates a stronger France and stronger bloc.

Mr Attal served as France's youngest ever and first openly gay prime minister at just 34 years old after being appointed by Mr Macron.

He lost the job after Mr Macron called a snap election, but still serves as the leader of the Renaissance party.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter