UK welcome to rejoin EU ‘anytime’, French finance minister says as Burnham visits Berlin

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France’s finance minister said the UK would be welcome to rejoin the EU “anytime”, as Andy Burnham visits Berlin after suggesting a return to the bloc could be possible.

Alongside his first face-to-face talks with German chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leaders have established a joint UK-Germany security framework aimed at countering cyber attacks, sabotage and other hybrid threats from hostile foreign actors, particularly Russia .

The strategic agreement will see both countries share intelligence and coordinate action to monitor, deter and disrupt potential dangers, while building greater resilience around critical national infrastructure.

It comes as Mr Burnham looks to rebuild Britain’s ties to the EU 10 years after the nation voted to leave the bloc.

The prime minister last week acknowledged he could go “all the way” and propose rejoining the EU as he considers the UK’s future relationship with Brussels. He also suggested it is “possible” Labour’s next election manifesto could include an in-out referendum.

Speaking to the BBC, French finance minister Roland Lescure said it was up to the British public whether to return to the EU, but said they could “come back, anytime”.

He said: “British people decided, and that’s obviously their 100 per cent right, and if they’re willing to come back, they will have to decide.

The Independent has led the campaign for Britain to rebuild its relationship with Brussels on the basis of clear evidence that it has damaged the economy and failed to deliver promised benefits on a wide range of issues including immigration.

But the chancellor is reported to be planning to warn Mr Burnham rejoining the EU will not be possible unless the UK raises tariffs on Chinese electric cars from 10 per cent to match the EU’s 45 per cent.

Mr Burnham and Mr Merz are also discussing aid for Ukraine, responses to Middle East instability, and the disruption of key global shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz .

They also convened a UK-Germany Regional Growth Forum featuring British and German business leaders, aimed at driving investment, deepening industrial ties and ensuring economic benefits reach communities in both nations.

And they formally ratifified the Kensington Treaty, signed in July last year, committing both nations to significantly deeper cooperation across science, technology, defence, security and growth.

In Berlin, Mr Burnham also said he was “open” to Germany joining a project to build the next generation of fighter jet.