Delays and diplomacy: Inside Starmer's migrant deal announcement with Macron

Metro

4 days ago

I'm used to delays at official events involving world leaders. But I don't normally know exactly what the world leaders are up to while I wait.
Today was different – as I waited in a lecture theatre at Northwood base in north-west London, I knew Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron were a short distance away in a conference room, leading a video conference call with the 'Coalition of the Willing'.
They must have had plenty to say. The minutes ticked by and the temperature in the stuffy room rose. There was no update and no internet, effectively scrambled thanks to our military surroundings.
Finally, an hour after we were told the press conference with the Prime Minister and President would begin, our group of French, British and US journalists was shuffled over to the main HQ building.
The flags outside were completely still as the July heat crept towards 30C.
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Starmer and Macron were escorted from the room where the video call had taken place, directly to their stately podiums.
The President looked a little uncomfortable with his baffling choice of a three-piece suit as the temperature rose inside too.
But he was able to stand in silence as Starmer launched the conference by immediately diving into the topic of the day: illegal migration.
'There is no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the table,' he said.
The PM then revealed what everyone in the room already knew – the UK had reached an agreement with France to pilot a 'one in, one out' scheme in which migrants arriving via small boats would be swapped with asylum seekers who have a British link.
Once those considering setting out on the treacherous journey across the Channel know there's a chance they'll be sent right back, they won't bother trying – or so the logic goes.
He said: 'The President and I have agreed that this pilot will be implemented in coming weeks.'
When it was Macron's turn to speak, we got plenty about the Coalition of the Willing, and a new agreement on nuclear deterrent cooperation, and the Bayeux Tapestry/Sutton Hoo exchange.
Those of us wearing translating headphones pressed them close to check we hadn't missed anything. Where was the migration chat? More Trending
The wait was worth it when he got round to it at last, though. As Starmer shifted and looked around, Macron leapt into a full-throated condemnation of Brexit.
Leave campaigners 'sold a lie to the British people,' he said, 'which is that the problem is Europe'.
When the PM spoke afterwards, the word 'Brexit' never passed his lips.
The causes of the situation may be disputed, but a proposed solution has been agreed. Time will tell whether it pays off.
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