French Finance Minister Invites UK to 'Come All the Way' Back to EU as Burnham Floats Referendum Possibility

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has extended a direct invitation to Britain to return to the European Union, telling the BBC that the UK would be welcomed back "anytime" if it chooses to reverse its departure from the bloc. His remarks came in response to signals from Prime Minister Andy Burnham that a second Brexit referendum could feature in a future Labour election manifesto.

In an interview with the BBC, Lescure acknowledged that EU membership inevitably involves certain difficulties, but argued that belonging to the bloc allows countries to tackle global challenges more effectively together. He emphasised that the original decision to leave was entirely the British people's to make, and that any decision to return would likewise rest with them.

"But what I can tell them is: come back, anytime," Lescure said, describing the UK's exit as "very sad" during the conversation. His comments mark one of the most explicit public invitations from a senior French official for Britain to reconsider its post-Brexit path.

The overture follows comments from Burnham last week in which the prime minister said the UK needed to "consider the options" regarding its relationship with Europe. Those options, according to Burnham, range from maintaining the current arrangement, rejoining the customs union or single market, or going "all the way" back into full membership.

When asked directly about the prime minister's remarks, Lescure said British voters would have the final say. He framed the invitation as an open door rather than a pressure campaign, noting that the choice belongs to the UK alone.

The exchange comes amid tensions over the EU's planned "Made In Europe" scheme, which Burnham recently warned could damage British industry. The proposals are designed to shield European manufacturers from Chinese competition by prioritising companies within the bloc for public contracts and subsidies.

The EU's car industry has itself called for the UK to be included in the scheme, warning that excluding Britain could disrupt closely integrated supply chains. Burnham has expressed concerns about how British industry and its supply networks could be affected if the UK is left out.

Asked about the possibility of Britain being excluded from the initiative, Lescure offered a characteristically blunt response, suggesting that membership would guarantee a seat at the negotiating table. Under his framing, rejoining the EU would allow Britain to participate directly in shaping the rules that govern European industry.

The finance minister's interview also covered French domestic matters, including the student protests that have swept the country. More than 500 schools have been fully or partially shut as of Wednesday, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to demand better conditions in schools.

Lescure described the current environment as a "tough world" for young people, saying he understood their anxiety and that "our duty as leaders is to listen to them." His comments signalled a degree of sympathy for the demonstrators while stopping short of endorsing their demands outright.

He acknowledged the difficult trade-offs facing the French government, noting that it is hard to tell young people there is no money available for them because large amounts are being spent on healthcare and pensions. He pointed to longer life expectancies and improved health outcomes as factors driving up costs.

"We cannot just say 'this is fine' and then we don't have money left for the kids, so we need to rebalance that," Lescure said, outlining his intention to cut back on health spending and ask retired people to accept a below-inflation pension increase next year.

While he conceded that "not all" French schools were crumbling, he promised further investment in education and left the door open to doing more if circumstances require it. The remarks reflect the delicate balance the government is attempting to strike between fiscal restraint and public expectations.

On France's broader fiscal picture, Lescure acknowledged that annual public borrowing exceeding 5% of gross domestic product was "alarming," saying the situation demanded action now to avoid being forced into more painful measures later. Markets have pushed up French borrowing costs in response to the deficit trajectory.

Asked whether the eurozone's central bank might need to intervene, Lescure said his responsibility was to ensure France never reached that point. He acknowledged that borrowing has become "more expensive," particularly given the premium France pays over Germany, but insisted there was "no issue" with the country's ability to issue debt.

Looking ahead to a fractious French parliament, Lescure expressed confidence that his budget "will pass," noting there were "lots of different ways" to secure its approval. His comments underscore both the political fragility of the moment and the government's determination to press ahead with its fiscal plans.