France urges UK to rejoin EU as Burnham hints at second Brexit referendum

French finance minister Roland Lescure has invited the UK to reconsider its relationship with the European Union, suggesting a full return to the bloc. The comments follow UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s indication that a second Brexit referendum is "possible" in a future Labour election manifesto. Meanwhile, proposed EU rules could pose risks to British industry.

France invites UK to reconsider EU membership

According to BBC News, French finance minister Roland Lescure encouraged the UK to reconsider its relationship with the European Union, suggesting a full return to the bloc. Lescure reportedly stated that while EU membership comes with challenges, it enables members to better address global issues such as economic competition and supply chain resilience.

Lescure’s comments follow remarks from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who described a second Brexit referendum as "possible" in a future Labour election manifesto. Burnham indicated that the UK should "consider the options," including maintaining its current status, rejoining the customs union or single market, or fully returning to the EU.

Proposed EU rules could impact UK industry

Burnham also warned that proposed EU regulations, including the Made In Europe scheme, could harm British industry. The scheme aims to protect EU manufacturers from competition, particularly from China, by prioritizing companies within the bloc for public contracts and subsidies.

The UK’s exclusion from the scheme could disrupt supply chains and disadvantage British manufacturers. However, the EU’s automotive sector has reportedly called for the UK’s inclusion to prevent broader disruptions to its own operations.

The debate highlights lingering tensions over Brexit’s economic consequences and the potential for future policy shifts in the UK-EU relationship.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators, this signals potential shifts in UK-EU trade dynamics that could reshape supply chains, regulatory compliance, and market access. If the UK moves closer to the EU—whether through a referendum or incremental policy changes—businesses may face new opportunities or risks depending on their exposure to European markets.

The debate over the Made In Europe scheme underscores how political decisions in Brussels could directly impact British manufacturers, particularly in the automotive sector. Founders should monitor these developments closely, as regulatory divergence or alignment could influence everything from sourcing strategies to long-term investment decisions.

At the same time, Lescure’s invitation reflects a broader push by EU leaders to reinforce the bloc’s economic and geopolitical influence. For UK-based startups, this could mean revisiting assumptions about market access, talent mobility, and even funding—especially if future policy changes alter the competitive landscape.

Key takeaways

• France’s finance minister encouraged the UK to consider rejoining the EU, framing it as a way to address global challenges.
• UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham left the door open for a second Brexit referendum in a future Labour manifesto.
• Proposed EU rules, such as the Made In Europe scheme, could disadvantage UK industry if Britain remains outside the bloc.
• The EU’s automotive sector wants the UK included in the scheme to protect its supply chains.
• Burnham suggested the UK could explore rejoining the single market, customs union, or even the EU itself.

FAQ

What is the Made In Europe scheme?

The Made In Europe scheme is a proposed EU policy designed to protect European manufacturers by prioritizing companies within the bloc for public contracts and subsidies. Its goal is to shield EU industry from external competitors, particularly China.

How could the Made In Europe scheme affect UK businesses?

If the UK remains outside the scheme, British manufacturers could face disadvantages in accessing EU public contracts and subsidies. This could disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and limit market opportunities for UK-based businesses, particularly in the automotive sector.

What options is the UK considering for its future relationship with the EU?

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested evaluating multiple options, including maintaining the current post-Brexit arrangement, rejoining the customs union or single market, or fully returning to the EU.

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