Published on •Updated
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first official talks on Thursday at Downing Street.
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Macron hailed the “very special relationship” between France and the United Kingdom, a day after the opening of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum in London.
“Defence, energy, support for Ukraine and European security: our partnership is more important than ever,” Macron wrote on X after the meeting.
“Together with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, we are continuing this work towards a stronger, more sovereign and more secure Europe.”
Migration was a key focus of the talks, with Burnham highlighting cooperation with France to reduce small boat crossings.
In a post on X, the UK prime minister said the number of French officers deployed to tackle crossings would rise to nearly 1,050.
Burnham said the UK had recorded its lowest number of summer small boat arrivals since 2020, but warned that “we can’t be complacent”, as smuggling networks continue to adapt their tactics.
The French president described the meeting as a “very important moment” for bilateral ties, adding that they would also discuss “new initiatives” in the Middle East.
“I’m here with a willingness and a commitment to get closer and closer,” he told Burnham.
Burnham welcomed Macron as his first overseas visitor since taking office in July, saying it was “so fitting” to host “our nearest neighbour and close friend Emmanuel” at Downing Street, as reported by the BBC.
“It shows what collaboration can achieve, just as we are also showing on Ukraine, on small boats, and also on strengthening the UK-EU relationship,” Burnham added.
For Macron the visit is significant as he approaches the final months of his presidential term, set to end May 2027.
