US EditionFrance's Macron makes a state visit to the UK with migration and Ukraine on the agenda
UNITED KINGDOM, JUL 8 – Starmer and Macron aim to finalize a migrant return deal amid rising Channel crossings, with over 20,000 migrants arriving in the UK this year, as part of broader cooperation talks.
- On July 8, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron commenced a formal three-day visit to the UK, which included a ceremonial reception at Windsor Castle and delivering a speech to Parliament in London.
- The visit follows strained relations after Brexit and aims to reset UK-France ties under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took office just over a year ago.
- Key topics on the agenda include migration management, with both governments considering a policy that exchanges deportations between the UK and France to manage illegal Channel crossings collaboratively.
- Macron and Starmer will co-chair the 37th Franco-British Summit on July 10, focusing on boosting Ukraine's defenses and diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire, described as a "coalition of the willing."
- The visit highlights intensified cooperation on security and migration amid record migrant crossings over the Channel and ongoing efforts to stop dangerous small-boat journeys.
164 Articles
164 Articles
Emmanuel Macron is the first European president to be welcomed to London for a state visit after Brexit. In view of the geopolitical situation, France and the UK share some interests – but there is still a debate about migration along the English Channel.
Charles, the meddling King, is making his biggest intervention yet
President Emmanuel Macron was the guest of honour at Windsor Castle as the King hosts him for the beginning of his state visit to the UK. The King will make a speech honouring the relationship between their two countries as “friends and allies”, facing “a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions”. He will stress that “these challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time”.The background to al…
Ailbhe Rea: Starmer’s Challenging Future Without a Policy Change
You almost wouldn’t know that last week Keir Starmer faced the worst crisis of his premiership. It’s a sunny day of full pomp and ceremony here in Westminster for the French state visit, and Emmanuel Macron is addressing parliament. The political chat is all about whether Macron will give Starmer the migrant deal he wants, and whether Starmer can get Trump to implement their steel deal in time for tomorrow.
The French President's visit is also intended to highlight cooperation in defence, but the boat refugees on the Channel remain the most difficult bilateral problem.
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