French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived at 10 Downing Street today for talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as the UK and France look to strengthen cooperation on migration, defence and the economy.
Macron was welcomed by Burnham outside Downing Street on Thursday morning, with the two leaders posing for photographs alongside their wives before heading inside for talks.
Burnham described Macron as his “first overseas visitor as prime minister”, saying it was fitting that his first visitor was from Britain’s “nearest neighbour and close friend”.
Small boats a major focus
One of the main issues expected to dominate the meeting is illegal small boat crossings across the English Channel.
The UK and France have announced additional measures aimed at tackling people-smuggling gangs, including a new 45-officer French surge team that will be deployed to beaches in western France.
The team will focus on stopping launches further along the French coast and tackling larger vessels, known as “mega dinghies”, which smugglers have increasingly been using.
The French intelligence and judicial team working against people-smuggling networks has also increased from 18 to 30 officers.
The UK government says the wider operation now involves nearly 1,050 French officers.
Ukraine and European security
The war in Ukraine is also expected to feature heavily in the discussions.
Burnham and Macron have already been working together through the Coalition of the Willing, which aims to support Ukraine and strengthen European security.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss the wider security situation in Europe and the Middle East, including efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
UK and EU relationship
The meeting also comes as Burnham pushes for closer cooperation between Britain and Europe.
The Prime Minister has previously said that Britain’s period of low economic growth has been partly linked to Brexit and that he wants a closer relationship with the European Union.
However, the government is not proposing Britain rejoin the EU, its single market or customs union.
The talks with Macron could therefore be an important step in Burnham’s plans to improve Britain’s relationship with European countries.
Bayeux Tapestry
Macron’s visit also has a major cultural element.
On Wednesday evening, Macron joined King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Burnham at the British Museum to view the Bayeux Tapestry.
The nearly 1,000-year-old tapestry has been loaned to Britain by France and is being displayed in the UK for the first time in its history. It depicts events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England, including the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
For Burnham, Macron’s visit is an important early moment in his premiership.
With France being one of Britain’s closest European neighbours, today’s meeting could set the tone for how the UK and France work together on migration, defence, trade and Britain’s future relationship with Europe.