French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Britain moved from the dignified royal dignity and ceremony to the stiffer edge of political territories as his hosts are expected to seek new measures to curb undocumented immigration in Crunch’s speech.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer was set to push Macron to do more to stop the refugee and migrant intersection across the English Channel when the two leaders met on 10 Darning Street on Wednesday.
The number of refugees and migrants arriving on England’s southern coast via small boats from northern France has been a major political issue for the Labour government, with far-right reform British party bringing great political benefits on hardline anti-immigration platforms.
The meeting took place on the second day of Macron’s visit to the UK. This began with a warm welcome from the gorgeous banquet at Windsor Castle with King Charles III and members of the royal family.
This was the first visit to the UK by the French president since Nicholas Sarkozy in 2008, and the first visit by the European Union head of state since Brexit became official in 2020. Macron’s trip came at the invitation of Charles III.
“One In-One Out” deal not supported by the EU
Speaking to British Parliament on Tuesday, Macron promised to implement measures to reduce the number of people crossing the English Channel, describing the issue as a “burden” on both countries. He also said France and Britain have “a common responsibility to deal with irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and equity.”
The UK is hoping to enter into a “one, one person” contract to send small boat refugees and migrants back to the continent in exchange for accepting European asylum seekers with British links, the National Press Association news agency reported.
France had previously refused to sign such an agreement. The UK says it should negotiate arrangements with all European Union countries.
“This transaction is far from closing because there is a lot of opposition from places like Spain, Malta, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and other places, as well as certain European countries, which are ports of entry for those coming to Europe.”
“That’s because under EU law, in theory, France can move to those who received from the UK, and the countries that are the first countries to claim asylum there. So Kiel’s Stage doesn’t just convince President Macron of this deal, but when it comes to convincing other European voyages, he has a very important stumbling block.”
Reformed British leader Nigel Farage challenged the French president to “not accept undocumented men throughout the English Channel.”
In the UK, there is growing frustration over French funding to prevent refugees and migrants from departing, as well as laws that prevent police from intercepting boats underwater near the coast.
“We only provide funding to provide priorities,” Starmer told Parliament, adding that the UK had persuaded France.
“I will discuss this in a meeting with President Macron,” he added.
After he came to power a year ago, Supreme promised to “smash the gang” and took thousands of people to a small boat.
This year, more than 21,000 people have crossed by basic boats from northern France to southeast England.
Macron began the second day of his visit by paying homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Macron then said goodbye to his hosts and discussed the issue of biodiversity with the king as he walked around the castle grounds before heading to central London.
At a banquet Tuesday evening, Charles used speeches to around 160 guests, including the Royals, Starmer and musical icons Elton John and Mick Jagger, warning that the alliance of the two nations is just as important as ever in the “complex threat.”
Macron also said in a speech to Parliament that “the UK and France are too dependent on the US and China, and despite Britain leaving the European Union, they really need to make joint decisions on defense and security.”
Charles toasted the new British Frenchman, Entante…no longer a Cordial, now Amicale,” urging Macron to praise “the Entante Amicale, who unites our two brothers in an unshakable alliance.”
To visit the British Museum, Macron is set to formally announce the loan for the famous Bayou tapestry depicting the British conquest of 1066 Norman, allowing the 11th century masterpiece to return for the first time in over 900 years. London will exchange and lend out Palianglo-Saxon and Viking treasures.
