Christodoulides says Cyprus would welcome UK return to EU

Brussels, Belgium. President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed support for Britain returning to the European Union if it is prepared to do so. His comments come as the UK appears to be considering a closer relationship with Europe.

European leaders respond to possible UK return

Sky News sought the views of several EU leaders arriving in Brussels for the European Council gathering this week. Most responded favourably to the prospect of renewed British membership.

“If Britain is ready to come back, we are ready to welcome them,” Christodoulides told the British broadcaster.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kullbergs backed Britain’s return to the European family, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed the idea, arguing that unity made countries stronger.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda were also supportive. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said the bloc welcomed membership from all its friends.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis responded with humour: “yes, of course, we need more money”.

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa described Britain’s departure as among the greatest catastrophes in the EU’s history. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said he would welcome its return, but added that Britain needed to have learned from its previous experience.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten emphasised that the British public ultimately had to determine the nature of the country’s relationship with the EU.

Burnham sets out options for closer ties

The discussion of possible British membership, nearly seven years after the country’s departure, follows comments by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting that rejoining could be an option in the years ahead. Burnham became prime minister in July.

Speaking to the BBC last month, he outlined several possible approaches: maintaining the existing arrangements, considering George Osborne’s proposal for a customs union, examining the Liberal Democrats’ position on participation in the single market, or pursuing full EU membership.

Burnham said the options required consideration, including an assessment of their feasibility and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

In earlier remarks to the Guardian, he said he intended to state his desire for Britain to rejoin the EU and expressed hope that membership would be restored within his lifetime.