Key facts
- French Finance Minister Roland Lescure invited the UK to rejoin the EU.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested a second Brexit referendum is possible.
- Lescure stated that rejoining the EU would allow the UK to participate in discussions on trade schemes like 'Made In Europe'.
- The 'Made In Europe' scheme aims to protect EU industries from Chinese competitors.
- Lescure acknowledged that France's public deficit is 'alarming' and requires action.
- France plans to cut health spending and offer below-inflation pension increases.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has extended an invitation for the UK to rejoin the European Union, stating "come back, anytime." The comments follow UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's signal that a second Brexit referendum is a possibility.
Lescure emphasized that rejoining would allow the UK to participate in discussions on trade schemes like 'Made In Europe,' which aims to protect EU industries from Chinese competitors. He noted that while being in the bloc has difficulties, it enables members to better address global challenges. The EU's car industry has also called for the UK's inclusion in the scheme to prevent disruption to its supply chains.