Emmanuel Macron says Britain could return to 'reformed, simplified' EU

Britain could return to a multi-speed European Union once it has undergone sweeping reforms proposed by Emmanuel Macron, the French president has suggested.

"In this union rebuilt on intransigent values and an efficient market, in a few years, if it so wishes, Britain could regain its place (in the EU), which is why you haven't heard me talk about Brexit this afternoon. 

"Discussions are under way which don't define the future of Europe. But in this revamped, simplified European Union I don't rule that Britain could find its place."

This would become easier, he said, because he intends to create a "Group for European re-foundation" of willing EU members states that wish to forge ahead, so that those who wish to move faster can do so.

This "greater differentiation" will make it easier for countries like Britain to join the club.

The French president unveiled a series of proposals to deepen the bloc politically and harmonise rules across the continent.

"The Europe that we know is too weak, too slow, too inefficient," he said as he began the closely-watched address at the prestigious Sorbonne university in Paris.

"But Europe alone can give us the ability to act in the world faced with big contemporary challenges."

Mr Macron's proposals for a post-Brexit shake-up include plans to give the 19-member eurozone a finance minister, budget and parliament, as well as creating a Europe-wide "rapid reaction force" to work with national armies.

Mr Macron is desperate for German Chancellor Angela Merkel's endorsement of his reform agenda, but his plans were dealt a blow by shock election results that saw the anti-immigration, eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerge as the country's third-largest party.