Emmanuel Macron, "friend or foe" of the United Kingdom? "A great friend, certainly," said Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister in an interview with the newspaper Le Figaro on Friday, a few hours at a summit in Paris aimed at writing the "renewal" of the "essential" alliance between France and the United Kingdom after years of quarrels.

Fifteen days before a state visit in France by King Charles III for his first trip abroad, this Franco-British meeting should allow the two countries to make progress on partnership issues such as the fight against illegal immigration, cooperation on defence or military aid to Ukraine.

"Our ancient history, proximity and shared vision of global challenges mean that a close partnership between the UK and France is not only important, it is essential," Rishi Sunak said in a statement shortly before arriving at the Elysee Palace.

"As we face new and unprecedented threats, it is crucial to strengthen the foundations of our alliance to be ready for the challenges of the future," he added.

"Breaking the cycle of criminal gangs is crucial"

On the British side, the focus is on the fight against illegal immigration, a source of tension between the two sides of the Channel. Paris and London have negotiated "a strengthening" of their cooperation and means to control migratory flows from France, in the wake of the Sandhurst Treaty signed in 2018 and a new agreement concluded in November, according to the two countries.

In the entourage of the British Conservative leader, it is considered "crucial" to work "with the French to prevent crossings and loss of life in the Channel", while more than 45,000 migrants have illegally reached the English coast in 2022 on makeshift boats. "It is crucial to break the cycle of criminal gangs. This is the reality: criminal organizations facilitate the movement of people, "says the British Prime Minister in Le Figaro.

Giving new impetus to defence cooperation

The Russian invasion of Ukraine also presents a common challenge to Europe's top two armies, the only two nuclear-armed militaries in Europe, who are pushed closer together.

A context that allows to "give a new impetus" to cooperation on defense, said an adviser to the French president about this partnership set in stone by the Lancaster House Treaty in 2010 but muted since Brexit.

Our dossier on the United Kingdom

According to London, the two leaders will announce "increased coordination of the supply of weapons to Ukraine and the training" of Ukrainian servicemen, so that "thousands more" of them are ready for combat.

A "strategic partnership" must also be concluded on nuclear energy, and cross-investments announced by companies from both countries, all with the decarbonization of the economy to fight against global warming as a common thread.

  • War in Ukraine
  • World
  • United Kingdom
  • Paris
  • Ile
  • Emmanuel Macron
  • Rishi Sunak
  • Immigration