French President Emmanuel Macron On Tuesday, the UK urged it to stick close to its neighbors despite its exit from the European Union, saying France and Britain would “save Europe” by defending democracy, law and international order in a dangerous world.
In Visiting the state That mixing Royal Pageantry with Tough Political Consultations Regarding Ukraine and migration, Macron said Europe needs to strengthen its economy and defense and “reduce its dependence on both the US and China.”
Macron’s 3-day trip, invitation Charles IIIthe first national visit to the UK by the European Union head of state since Brexit, and is a symbol of the British government’s desire to reset ties with the UK bloc after the UK left the EU vigorously in 2020.
Macron addressed members of both houses of British Parliament, crammed into the building’s ornate royal gallery. He said the two countries represent “a world order based on respect for law, justice and territorial integrity, an order that is routinely attacked today.”
“The UK and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference,” Macron said, adding, “We will save Europe through example and solidarity.”
He said that despite the UK leaving the EU, “The UK cannot remain on the sidelines because the core of defense and security, competitiveness, democracy – the core of our identity – is connected as a continent throughout Europe.”
Dignity and politics
French president and his wife Bridget MacronIt was treated with full force of the charm of British rituals. This was far from the chilly relationship of 2022 when then foreign secretary Liz Truss said “there were no ju umpires” about whether Macron was a friend or an enemy.
Macron was greeted by Prince William and his wife Catherine at RAF North Lutt Air Force Base in London – dressed in a French design house Christian Dior dress, and met King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor west of London. They were relegated to a nearly 1,000-year-old royal residence in the carriage Windsor Castle, passing through streets covered with the flags of Union Jack and the French Tricolor.
King and Queen held a Macron banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, with 160 guests including politicians, diplomats and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John. After the “Entinte Cordeare” struck between England and France in 1904, they were served summer vegetables, asparagus and iced blackcurrant parfaits and chicken, along with a cocktail infused with champagne and gin called lantente.
As a monarch, Charles is expected to surpass politics, but he spoke of his support from Britain and France to Ukraine that they are “defending our shared values,” noting the challenge of “irregular migration across the English Channel,” and that both countries “are facing complex threats emanating from multiple directions.”
“As friends and as allies, we face together,” Charles said.
New tactics to stop a boat
Politics will take the central stage on Wednesday as Macron sits for a meeting with the British Prime Minister Keyer priority On migration, defense and investment – includes a 12.5% stake by French energy company EDF in a new nuclear power plant planned for the eastern UK.
Macron has also been a tantalizing cultural gift: agreement to send Bayeux Tapestry I went to the UK for the first time in over 900 years. The 70-meter (230-foot) tapestry marking the British conquest of Norman in 1066 will be exhibited at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027.
Macron and Stage discuss how to stop immigration at Wednesday’s lecture and Thursday’s British France Summit Cross the English Channel by a small boat And try to proceed with your post-patience plan Ukrainian security forcesdespite our indifference to this idea and the refusal of Russia to stop the onslaught of its neighbors.
Although the UK has fewer asylum seekers than Mediterranean countries, thousands of migrants each year use thousands of migrants each year as the starting point to reach the UK on small boats that cross one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world after staying in trucks or tightening their routes.
The UK has attacked a series of deals with France over the years Increase beach patrols Share intelligence to confuse smuggling gangs.
It all had limited impact. In 2024, around 37,000 people crossed the English Channel on a small boat, and over 20,000 were detected I created an intersection In the first six months of 2025, it increased by about 50% from the same period last year. Dozens of people died trying to cross.
British officials welcomed the sight of the police as they urged French police to step in more forcefully to stop the boat. Slashing the rubber dinghy Comes with a recent knife.
France is also considering a UK proposal for a “one inch” deal that would bring back immigrants that have reached the UK in return for France accepting parts of France.
Macron said the leaders “we will try to revise what will be a burden for both of our countries today.”
“France and the UK share their responsibility to deal with irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and equity,” he said.
Focus on Ukraine
Starmer and Macron have worked closely together Rally Support For Ukraine, they are taking it A contrasting approach Macron is more willing to challenge President Donald Trump to challenge President of the United States than the inclusive wise man.
The UK and France have led efforts to form an international peacekeeping force to help Ukraine strengthen the future ceasefire between European troops and equipment and US security assurances.
But while Trump shows little enthusiasm for the idea, the ceasefire remains elusive. British officials say the idea of a “rejoiced coalition” is coming alive, with Macron and Priority being scheduled to attend an international video conference on Thursday to discuss military plans.
Macron said the coalition is a sign that “Europeans will never abandon Ukraine.”
