Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, welcomed Andy Burnham's plan, the Prime Minister of Britain, to review Brexit. Macron said at a press conference: "This is very good news, both for his country and for Europeans. Welcome home."
Positive Response to Britain's Policy Change
Sanchez also announced at the same conference: "Spain welcomes Britain's return with open arms." Burnham stated at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool that Brexit has caused more harm than benefit, and he will present various options to remedy this damage at the upcoming meeting between Britain and the European Union, expected to be held in November.
Read more: The far-right party in Germany achieved a significant victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections
Brussels' Cautious Reaction
However, the announcement of this policy change by the Prime Minister of Britain was met with a cautious reaction from Brussels. A spokesperson for the European Commission stated: "Britain is a close and valuable partner for the European Union. It is up to the British government to determine how it wants to develop its relationship with the European Union. We remain open to engaging with the options that may be presented."
However, EU secretaries and diplomats informally stated that Burnham's speech in the European capital was positively assessed. One diplomat said: "The atmosphere is positive, and there is certainly a commitment to hold a good meeting. A lot of work is currently being done to prepare for it."
Diplomats also noted that the reaction of other EU member states to this speech has generally been positive, although it is accompanied by caution. One diplomat said: "Why should we proceed with difficult negotiations on SPS, carbon trade, and youth mobility if Britain wants a completely new agreement?"
Meanwhile, Sandro Gozi, a Member of the European Parliament who heads the European Parliament's delegation to Britain, stated that Burnham's request for a change in direction needs to be met with a serious response from Europe. He said: "Let’s turn this opportunity into specific choices for a closer partnership between the EU and Britain to provide a more fruitful and secure future for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Channel."
Read more: Poll results in Switzerland show that voters opposed a stricter proposal on neutrality · The end of Macron's era and the weakness of the right and center in France
