Emmanuel Macron has arrived at No 10 for crunch talks as Sir Keir Starmer’s “one in, one out” migration deal hangs in the balance.
Mr Macron smiled as he stepped out of the car before being greeted by the prime minister on Wednesday afternoon on the second day of his state visit to the UK.
The pair shook hands and posed for photographs accompanied by their wives in front of the press, before entering Number 10.
Their spouses, Brigitte Macron and Lady Victoria Starmer, will have tea and a tour of Downing Street together, followed by all four having lunch.
The prime minister hopes to strike a “one in, one out” deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link.
The meeting comes before a full UK-France summit on Thursday involving ministerial teams from both nations.
Sir Keir Starmer faced questions on the issue of migration in the Commons earlier, as the UK presses for tougher action from the French authorities on the beaches along the Channel coast.
Coming up…
Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer are currently holding talks on issues including illegal migration at No 10.
Here is a look at what we’re expected for the rest of today and tomorrow:
– We should be getting some more information on how the talks in No 10 went shortly.
– This afternoon, Sir Keir and Mr Macron are expected to attend a reception with UK and French businesses and an event at the British Museum on Wednesday to announce the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry and other items to England.
– In the evening, the Macrons, joined by The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, will attend a banquet at Guildhall, given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor and the president will both make speeches following the dinner.
– On Thursday, a full UK-France summit will take place, involving ministerial teams from both nations.
Pictured: French journalists ask Larry the cat the tough questions outside No 10
Anglo-French relationship ‘strong as its ever been’, says Starmer
The relationship between the UK and France is as “strong as its ever been”, Sir Keir Starmer said as he welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to a meeting at Downing Street.
Inside Number 10, the Prime Minister said to the president: “It’s such a privilege and pleasure to welcome you here to Downing Street and the visit yesterday, the summit tomorrow and the meeting here today are so hugely symbolic of the closeness between our countries and our personal relationship and I’m so delighted to have you here, and I think you can see from last night, from today and tomorrow, just how much this means to everybody across the United Kingdom.
“And I’m really proud of the fact that we have a strong history together as two countries.”
Sir Keir said the laying of wreaths by the pair at the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Westminster yesterday “was a real reminder of the strength of the bond between our countries.”
He added: “Whether it’s on defence and security, whether it’s on Ukraine, whether it’s on trade and economy, business opportunities, capabilities, we think alike, we work together, and I feel this relationship is as strong as its ever been.”
Winking Macron clinks glasses with royals at dazzling state banquet
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Watch: French president arrives for crunch migration talks with Starmer over ‘one in one out’ deal
Badenoch had ‘warm’ meeting with Macron
Kemi Badenoch had a “warm” meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit.
The Conservative Party leader met with Mr Macron last night.
They discussed cross-border cooperation and working more closely with allies, particularly on Ukraine, as well as the challenges Western countries face when it comes to mass migration and aging populations, Mrs Badenoch’s spokesman said.
The meeting was “very warm” and lasted around half an hour.
Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel also attended.
UK-France partnership ‘game changer’, says Macron
The partnership between the UK and France is “a game changer” for Europe and beyond, Emmanuel Macron has said during a visit to Downing Street.
Inside Number 10, the French President said he believed the state visit and upcoming Franco-British summit on Thursday played a “unique role in these challenging times”, particularly for action regarding Ukraine.
He said the coalition will help “build stronger links and make big moves forward on defence, security, technology, economy” as well as “more exchange on culture, education, research and when we look at climate change, AI, but as well as challenging times from Ukraine to Middle East.”
“The partnership and the friendship between UK and France is absolutely, I would say, a game changer for not just Europe, but a lot of these issues,” the president added.
Mr Macron thanked Sir Keir Starmer and the King for their hospitality so far during his three-day state visit.
