Published 3 hours ago • loading... • Updated 30 minutes ago
Burnham and Macron discuss drive to get UK 'closer to Europe'
The leaders backed tighter migration cooperation and stronger UK-EU ties as France deploys 45 extra officers to help curb Channel crossings.
On Thursday, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first official bilateral talks at Downing Street in London, focusing on strengthening the UK-EU relationship.
The leaders' Thursday summit followed a Wednesday visit with King Charles to the British Museum to view the historic Bayeux Tapestry, a loan from France that Macron hailed as a "very special relationship."
To combat evolving smuggling tactics, Downing Street announced a surge team of 45 officers will deploy to French western beaches, aiming to counter "mega dinghies" carrying migrants across the English Channel.
During the discussion, Burnham warned the European Union's "Made in Europe" agenda, which prioritizes European-made goods in public contracts, "could pose significant challenges for UK industry."
Macron emphasized the partnership is "more important than ever" regarding defence and Ukraine, while the two leaders discussed "new initiatives" in the Middle East to further Britain's "drive to get closer to Europe.
Describing France as a "very important friend" and "the closest neighbor" of his country, Burnham spoke of the positive impact of the two countries' cooperation on the issue of Ukraine, in addressing migration and in strengthening the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union.