Speaking in a historic address to British Parliament on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the United Kingdom and France to form renewed unity against increasing global threats and limited dependence on such powers as the United States and China. Macron’s state visit was the first of a European leader since Brexit and represents improved relations between the two countries.
Addressing both chambers of Parliament after a formal welcome by King Charles and senior royals, Macron highlighted the necessity of collective action on defence, climate change, immigration, and trade. “We must advance hand in hand,” he told them, cautioning against the dangers of excessive reliance on US and Chinese economies. He called for greater co-operation between them on technology, artificial intelligence, and child protection online.
Macron’s visit is at a time when Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration aims to restore ties with Europe after Brexit. France and Britain unveiled a £1.1 billion commitment by French energy company EDF in a UK nuclear venture and cultural exchanges around the Bayeux Tapestry and British treasures.
Despite past disputes over migration and post-Brexit policies, the two nations are also cooperating on a potential military task force to support Ukraine in a post-war scenario. Starmer is also pushing for a new asylum seeker returns deal with France to tackle illegal migration across the Channel an issue still under discussion.
King Charles, who hosted a state dinner in Macron’s honor, reiterated the need for closer UK-France collaboration in meeting common global challenges. His clearly red eye during the ceremony, which was due to a burst blood vessel, was not related to his continued cancer treatment, sources at the palace asserted.
The visit marks a new chapter in UK-France relations following years of strains, as both leaders stressed shared values and the imperative for collective action.
