Germany has pledged to support Britain if it chooses to rejoin the European Union, following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's suggestion that a second Brexit referendum could be held in the future.
Burnham said an in-out referendum might feature in future Labour manifestos, while ruling out immediate action. He also promised in his Labour conference speech on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc at a summit later this year.
Germany's response
Susanne Baumann, the German ambassador to the UK, said Germany would always serve as a "partner" and welcomed the Prime Minister's comments. She told The Telegraph: "For us Germans, the UK is an integral part of Europe – its history, its present and its future. I was therefore glad to hear the Prime Minister speak about different options for the UK's relationship with Europe."
"It is, of course, for the British people to decide how close they want that relationship to be. But let me be clear: in Germany you will always find a partner for setting the ambition as high as we can," she added.
Mixed reactions
Burnham's comments drew criticism from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, who said he was ready to "fight" Burnham to keep Britain outside the EU. The Conservatives also criticised the Prime Minister, accusing him of trying to "reopen old wounds by restarting the battles of the Brexit years".
In an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, Burnham said options could include staying "exactly as we are", a closer relationship with the EU, or rejoining the EU customs union. However, he stressed that "to leap back to a proposal and a referendum on it wouldn't be the right thing to do right now".
European support
French President Emmanuel Macron said rejoining would be "very good news" for the UK and for Europeans, speaking in Madrid on Wednesday, and added: "Welcome back." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said if Britain tries to rejoin, "then of course Spain would applaud it and open its arms again to a brotherly people".
