- Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the UK-EU relationship during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on issues including small boat crossings and defence.
- Burnham said it was "so fitting" that Macron was his first overseas visitor in Downing Street since becoming PM in July, describing him as "our nearest neighbour and close friend Emmanuel".
- In bilateral talks on Thursday, Burnham and Macron discussed small boats, Ukraine, Middle East, defence, and EU co-operation.
- Macron said: "This is a very strong relationship. For me it is extremely important, and I'm here with willingness and a commitment to get closer."
- Burnham highlighted collaboration on Ukraine, small boats, and strengthening the UK-EU relationship, saying "It shows what collaboration can achieve".
- The arrival of the first foreign leader under the Burnham premiership is an important symbolic moment, showing the relationship with Paris is a priority, and reflects that working with France is essential to reduce small boat crossings.
- France and the UK have been working extremely closely on Ukraine and Iran, trying to jointly influence the White House.
- Downing Street says 45 extra police officers are being deployed to French beaches in a "surge team" to tackle larger dinghies, and Home Office Minister Anna Turley said they are part of more than 1,000 officers doing "actual intervention" in the water.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Downing Street, marking a significant moment in UK-EU relations. During their discussions, they addressed pressing issues including small boat crossings in the English Channel, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, and defense cooperation.1358
Burnham described Macron's visit as "so fitting" and emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "It shows what collaboration can achieve, just as we are also showing on Ukraine, on small boats, and also on strengthening the UK-EU relationship." Macron echoed this sentiment, asserting, "This is a very strong relationship. For me it is extremely important, and I'm here with willingness and a commitment to get closer."
The talks also highlighted the necessity of working with France to reduce small boat crossings, a critical issue for the UK government. Downing Street announced the deployment of 45 extra police officers to French beaches as part of a "surge team" aimed at tackling larger dinghies carrying more migrants. Home Office Minister Anna Turley noted that these officers are part of a larger force of over 1,000 officers now conducting interventions in the water.910
This visit underscores the importance of the UK-France relationship, particularly in the context of shared challenges such as Ukraine and Iran, where both nations are working closely to influence international policy.
“Macron called the relationship 'very strong' and said he arrived with 'willingness and a commitment to get closer.' Downing Street is deploying 45 extra police officers to French beaches as part of a 'surge team' to tackle larger dinghies.”
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