France has signalled it would welcome the UK back into the EU’s single market ‘with open arms’, in a move that echoes recent calls from Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for closer post-Brexit ties.

The comments came from French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who said the door remains open if Britain decides to realign more closely with the European Union.

Speaking alongside Germany’s foreign minister at an event in Berlin, Barrot pointed to a shift in tone from London.

‘Look at our British friends… talking about reset, about alignment, even mentioning customs unions,’ he said.

‘So let us say to our British friends that if they are ready to come back to the single market – with all its privileges and obligations – they will be met with open arms.’

The remarks come as the UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pushes for a ‘reset’ in relations with the EU.

This week, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated Britain is willing to align with many EU business rules in a bid to boost economic growth.

However, despite the warmer tone, the British government has so far ruled out rejoining the single market or entering a customs union.

France’s stance mirrors growing sentiment within parts of the EU, including Spain, where Pedro Sanchez has advocated for the UK to rejoin the EU.

Appearing on The Rest Is Politics podcast this week, Sanchez said Brexit was a ‘disaster’ saying: ‘I would like to have the UK back in again.’

‘I think societies make mistakes and you can review those mistakes… and I think it was a mistake for the UK to leave the EU.’

He later added: ‘Brexit was a terrible loss not only for Britain but also the European Union.

‘We have also lost one of our major political actors when it comes to international politics and welfare of the EU as a whole… I think it’s important to open that debate…

‘It’s a very difficult debate to face, but again, it’s a question of framework, how could Britain win more sovereignty? In my opinion, you don’t win more sovereignty when you are out of a bigger a political project…

‘Imagine Spain out of the EU, it would be a disaster.’