Macron and Burnham Hold First Official Talks at Downing Street
Political
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham held their first official talks since Burnham took office. The meeting at Downing Street focused on bilateral relations, defense, energy, support for Ukraine, European security and migration.
Macron described France and the United Kingdom as having a “special relationship” and stressed the importance of bringing the two countries closer. He said their partnership on defense, energy, support for Ukraine and European security was “more important than ever.” The French president also said the two sides discussed new initiatives in the Middle East.
Migration and efforts to curb small-boat crossings of the English Channel were a key focus of the talks. Burnham said London and Paris were strengthening cooperation to reduce the number of such crossings. He said the number of French personnel involved in stopping them would increase to nearly 1,050.
The British prime minister noted that the UK recorded its lowest number of small-boat arrivals since 2020 this summer. At the same time, he warned against complacency, saying trafficking networks were changing their tactics.
Burnham welcomed Macron as his first foreign guest since taking office in July. He described the French president as his closest neighbor and a close friend, highlighting cooperation on Ukraine, efforts to tackle illegal small-boat crossings and stronger relations between the UK and the European Union.
For Macron, the visit comes as his presidential term approaches its end in May 2027
Migration and efforts to curb small-boat crossings of the English Channel were a key focus of the talks. Burnham said London and Paris were strengthening cooperation to reduce the number of such crossings. He said the number of French personnel involved in stopping them would increase to nearly 1,050.
The British prime minister noted that the UK recorded its lowest number of small-boat arrivals since 2020 this summer. At the same time, he warned against complacency, saying trafficking networks were changing their tactics.
Burnham welcomed Macron as his first foreign guest since taking office in July. He described the French president as his closest neighbor and a close friend, highlighting cooperation on Ukraine, efforts to tackle illegal small-boat crossings and stronger relations between the UK and the European Union.
For Macron, the visit comes as his presidential term approaches its end in May 2027
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