UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron will hold their first formal talks on Thursday, with migrant boats and the Ukraine war high on the agenda. The leaders met for the first time on Wednesday evening at a preview of the Bayeux Tapestry's exhibition at the British Museum, along with King Charles III. Macron, who played a key role in securing the tapestry loan, expressed hope for future generations to remember the bond between the two countries. The tapestry, depicting the Norman conquest of England, arrived in London in July for a sell-out exhibition.
Focus on Migrant Boats
Burnham told French journalists that Thursday's talks would cover joint efforts to stop small boats crossing the Channel. Downing Street emphasized the need to tackle the "emerging use of mega dinghies," or larger, more powerful boats. In the coming weeks, a "surge team" of 45 French officers will be deployed on beaches to address such launches. The UK recorded the lowest number of small boats carrying migrants crossing the Channel this summer since 2019, attributing the success to its enforcement deal with France. However, Burnham warned against complacency, noting that smuggling gangs are constantly adapting their tactics.
Support for Ukraine
Burnham reiterated London's support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, highlighting his first overseas trip to Kyiv. Macron praised Britain's release of information on components for the long-range missile, SCALP, to Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their joint action within the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine. Macron remains eager to press his vision of European sovereignty not dependent on the United States, with Britain seen as having a crucial role to play even after its EU divorce.
Post-Brexit Cooperation
Burnham aims to build on his predecessor Keir Starmer's efforts to forge closer post-Brexit cooperation with the European Union. He expressed a desire to boost sluggish UK growth by working more closely with the EU. Macron acknowledged that while Paris and London do not always see eye to eye, they respect one another and remain open to discussing everything, including advancing the UK reset with the European Union. However, Anand Menon, a Kings College London politics professor, warned of a danger that talks could feature "style without substance," emphasizing the need for progress on EU negotiations.
