# UK European Union reintegration debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-european-union-reintegration-debate > Updated: 2026-09-30T08:11:40.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 2. Political debate regarding the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union has intensified within the UK and among its neighbors. London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to begin immediate preparations for reintegration, arguing the government must perform the “heavy lifting” to prepare the public before a general election. This internal pressure follows suggestions from former Prime Minister Tony Blair to establish plans for a “modern relationship” with the EU within ten years. Following Prime Minister Burnham’s indication that EU membership is one of several options for future UK-EU relations, leaders in France and Spain expressed support. At a joint press conference in Madrid, French President Emmanuel Macron described a potential return as “very good news” for both the UK and Europe, though he cautioned that the British have historically been “demanding partners” and cannot selectively choose EU freedoms while rejecting its rules. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed this sentiment, describing Brexit as a “huge loss” for both the British people and the European project, stating that Spain would welcome the UK back “with open arms.” Prime Minister Burnham, who took office in July, has since indicated that rejoining the European Union is among the options being considered to reshape the United Kingdom’s long-term relationship with the bloc. He has outlined four potential scenarios: maintaining the status quo, returning to the customs union, joining the single market, or pursuing full EU membership. Burnham intends to present these options during a planned bilateral summit with the EU later this year, noting that the current Brexit settlement has caused “more harm than good.” The Conservative Party has criticized this development, accusing the Prime Minister of attempting to “reopen old wounds.” ## Claims - UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Brexit has caused more harm than benefit to the United Kingdom, particularly economically. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The Prime Minister is considering several scenarios for UK-EU relations, including maintaining the status quo, returning to the customs union, joining the single market, or full re-entry into the EU. (corroborated by 20 sources) - French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the possibility of the UK returning to the EU, calling it good news for both the UK and Europe. (corroborated by 18 sources) - A bilateral summit is planned before the end of the year to present different options for long-term relations with the EU. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Macron supported UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's stance on considering EU membership as an option. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated Spain would welcome the UK's return to the EU. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Macron stated that combating antisemitism is a priority for the French Republic. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Macron called for calm regarding protests in France over educational conditions and climate concerns. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggests rejoining the EU as a future option UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested rejoining the EU is an option for the future, a move welcomed by French President Macron and Spanish PM Sánchez as they seek to repair post-Brexit relations. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-and-spain-welcome-potential-uk-return-to-eu ### 2026-09-27: Sadiq Khan urges Andy Burnham to begin EU rejoining preparations Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to begin preparing the UK to rejoin the European Union immediately to avoid last-minute manifesto surprises. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sadiq-khan-urges-andy-burnham-to-begin-eu-rejoining-preparations --- Cite as: UK European Union reintegration debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-european-union-reintegration-debate