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Macron's London visit is less about Starmer or UK-France ties and more about Europe, rest of the world
French President Emmanuel Macron gestures after a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. File image/Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron will begin his three-day visit to London today (July 8), marking the first such occasion by an EU leader since 2020 Brexit.
The visit begins with a warm reception from King Charles, who has extended a royal invitation, highlighting the renewed commitment to strengthen UK-France relations.
Macron will engage in high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with the agenda spanning critical global issues.
King Charles will host a banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening—chosen as Buckingham Palace undergoes renovations—where he will emphasise the need for collaborative action on military threats and climate change.
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In his address, he is expected to say, 'For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other,' underscoring the deep historical ties between the two nations.
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Soft power opportunity
This state visit serves as a 'soft power' opportunity to bolster partnerships in trade, diplomacy, and defence, especially amid uncertainties over the US stance on supporting Ukraine militarily.
The visit kicks off with ceremonial spectacles on Tuesday, featuring senior royals greeting Macron and celebrating the 'entente cordiale'—a nod to the 1904 Anglo-French agreement—marking the first French state visit since 2008.
On Thursday, a UK-France summit at Downing Street, hosted by Starmer, will likely address the pressing issue of curbing illegal migration via small boats crossing the Channel, a persistent challenge for both nations.
Ties between the two European powers nosedived since Brexit unfolded five years ago. The situation turned from bad to worse in coming years due to a series of developments.
The 2021 AUKUS submarine deal—where the UK, US, and Australia formed a security pact, cancelling a prior $90 billion France-Australia submarine contract—strained ties between the two countries.
The AUKUS announcement prompted the French defence minister to cancel talks with her UK counterpart following the deal's revelation.
Additionally, former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss famously declined to classify Macron as a 'friend or foe,' a remark that deepened the rift and bruised Franco-British diplomacy.
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Efforts to mend relations
The efforts to mend the ties began in 2023 with the resumption of bilateral meetings after a five-year hiatus under prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Starmer, who campaigned against Brexit during his political rise, met Macron prior to the UK election, further laying the groundwork for a thaw.
This visit builds on that momentum, reflecting a shared intent to move past post-Brexit discord.
Why It Matters for Europe
The significance of this visit extends beyond bilateral relations. As Europe's only nuclear-armed powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France hold unique influence.
Their discussions will likely focus on defence ties and support for Ukraine, especially as geopolitical uncertainties—particularly from the US—require a united European front.
This collaboration could shape the continent's security landscape at a critical juncture. Macron's three-day visit, concluding on July 10, underscores a pivotal moment for UK-France relations, aiming to reset ties and address evolving challenges.
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