French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed their support for the notion of the United Kingdom re-entering the European Union.
While in Madrid meeting with Sanchez, Macron responded to the concept of the UK rejoining with two English words: "Welcome back."
"Should the British choose to return and if the prime minister is heading that way, I believe that is excellent news for both his nation and for Europeans," Macron continued in French.
Concurrently, Macron stated that the UK cannot adopt a selective approach to its relationship with the EU while staying outside the union.
"You cannot select among the union's freedoms and pick what benefits us while disregarding the others," he stated.
Sanchez mentioned that the UK's choice to exit the EU following the 2016 referendum represents "a significant setback for both the British people and the entire European endeavor."
The Spanish prime minister stated that if the UK indeed attempts to rejoin the EU, "then certainly Spain would welcome it and embrace a kindred nation."
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In a different comment from the EU, European Commission representative Balazs Ujvari remarked: "The UK is a valued and close partner of the European Union." "The UK government must outline how it intends to progress its relationship with the EU in the future."
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"We are willing to discuss the possibilities it might propose," Ujvari stated.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Britain ought to consider multiple options regarding its relationship with the EU.
"We might remain as we currently are. That’s certainly a possibility, if others believe this is the appropriate location to remain," Burnham stated, adding that one choice could be to "go completely."
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He mentioned that other options could involve rejoining the EU's single market or establishing a customs union between the two parties.