French President Emmanuel Macron promised the “best ever co-operation” between France and the UK to fix the migrant crisis that sees tens of thousands illegally cross the channel is dangerous small boats.
In the ornate Royal Gallery in parliament, the Mr Macron said that what is a burden today for the two countries could be resolved with co-operation. “France and the UK have a shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness,” he told parliamentarians after a ceremonial welcome by the royal family.
The state visit got under way outside London on Tuesday, as British royals joined their visitors for the countries' national anthems in the sunlit grounds of Windsor Castle.
Artillery fired a 41-gun salute when Mr Macron arrived in Windsor and the President and king later chatted enthusiastically as Household Cavalry made their way down the road and the open-top carriages arrived. Charles led Mr Macron into the landau and chuckled as they chatted while taking their seats.
Mr Macron will attend a state dinner before the political side of the three-day visit comes to the fore. In his meetings with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the relationship between the countries will be boosted if there is a deal to tackle migrant crossings over the Channel.
A British government spokesman said the UK’s “joint work with the French is stronger than it has ever been”.
The trip, hosted by Charles and Queen Camilla, is the first state visit to the UK by a French leader for 17 years – the now disgraced Nicolas Sarkozy visited in 2008. Mr Macron's trip marks the first ceremonial visit to the UK by an EU head of state since Brexit and the first to be staged at Windsor Castle in 11 years.
“That relationship is key to a number of issues and we expect to make good progress on a wide range of priorities, including migration, growth, defence and security, which will deliver on the interests of both the British and the French public," a Downing Street spokesman said.
“We are the first government to have secured agreement from the French to review their maritime tactics so their border enforcement teams can intervene in shallow waters. This is operationally and legally complex, but we’re working closely with the French. We expect this to be operationalised soon.”
Mr Starmer will host Mr Macron at Downing Street on Wednesday and Thursday. The UK leader will focus on efforts to tackle migration, enhance defence and security co-operation, and boost trade and investment between the countries.
Mr Starmer and Mr Macron will be joined by senior government ministers for the 37th UK-France Summit, to be held on Thursday. The leaders will also join an online meeting to discuss increasing support for Ukraine and measures to increase pressure on Russia.
