Latest news with #Macrons
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
France and Britain will ‘save Europe,' Macron says as he starts U.K. state visit
LONDON — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged Britain to stick close to its neighbours despite its exit from the European Union, saying France and the U.K. will 'save Europe' by standing for democracy, law and international order in a dangerous world. On a state visit that mixed royal pageantry with tough political talks on Ukraine and migration, Macron said Europe must strengthen its economy and defences and reduce its dependence 'on both the U.S. and China.' Macron's three-day trip, at the invitation of King Charles III, is the first state visit to the U.K. by a European Union head of state since Brexit, and a symbol of the U.K. government's desire to reset relations with the bloc after Britain acrimoniously left the EU in 2020. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Macron addressed members of both houses of Britain's Parliament packed into the building's ornate Royal Gallery. He said the two countries represent 'a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity, an order that is today being attacked on a daily basis.' 'The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference,' Macron said, adding that 'we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity.' He said that even though Britain has left the EU, 'the United Kingdom cannot stay on the sidelines. Because defence and security, competitiveness, democracy — the very core of our identity — are connected across Europe as a continent.' The French president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were treated to the full force of British ceremonial charm, a far cry from the chilly relations of 2022, when then-Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the 'jury is out' on whether Macron was a friend or a foe. The Macrons were greeted at London's RAF Northolt air base by Prince William and his wife Catherine — wearing a dress by French design house Christian Dior — before being met by King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor, west of London. They were driven to the almost 1,000-year-old royal residence of Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, through streets bedecked in Union Jacks and French tricolor flags. The king and queen hosted a banquet for the Macrons at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, with 160 guests including politicians, diplomats and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John. They were served summer vegetables, chicken with asparagus and iced blackcurrant parfait, along with Champagne and a gin-infused cocktail called L'entente, after the 'entente cordiale' struck between Britain and France in 1904. As monarch, Charles is expected to be above politics, but he spoke about the support Britain and France give Ukraine 'in defence of our shared values,' noted the challenge of 'irregular migration across the English Channel' and said the two countries face 'complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. 'As friends and as allies, we face them together,' Charles said. Politics will take centre stage on Wednesday, when Macron sits down for talks with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on migration, defence and investment — including a 12.5% stake by French energy firm EDF in a new nuclear power plant planned for eastern England. Macron also came bearing a tantalizing cultural gift: an agreement to send the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain for the first time in more than 900 years. The 70-meter (230-foot) tapestry showing the Norman conquest of England in 1066 will go on display at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027. At talks Wednesday and a U.K.-France summit on Thursday, Macron and Starmer will discuss ways to stop migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats and try to advance plans for a post-ceasefire security force for Ukraine, despite apparent U.S. indifference to the idea and Russia's refusal to halt the onslaught on its neighbour. Britain receives fewer asylum-seekers than Mediterranean European countries, but thousands of migrants each year use northern France as a launching point to reach the U.K., either by stowing away in trucks or — after a clampdown on that route — in small boats across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The U.K. has struck a series of deals with France over the years to increase patrols of beaches and share intelligence in an attempt to disrupt the smuggling gangs. It has all had only a limited impact. About 37,000 people were detected crossing the English Channel in small boats in 2024, and more than 20,000 people made the crossing in the first six months of 2025, up by about 50% from the same period last year. Dozens of people have died trying to cross. British officials have been pushing for French police to intervene more forcefully to stop the boats, and welcomed the sight of officers slashing rubber dinghies with knives in recent days. France is also considering a U.K. proposal for a 'one-in, one-out' deal that would see France take back some migrants who reached Britain, in return for the U.K. accepting some of those in France. Macron said the leaders would try 'to fix today what is a burden for our two countries.' 'France and the U.K. have a shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness,' he said. Starmer and Macron have worked closely together to rally support for Ukraine, though they have taken contrasting approaches to U.S. President Donald Trump, with Macron more willing to challenge the American president than the emollient Starmer. Britain and France have led efforts to form an international peacekeeping force for Ukraine to reinforce a future ceasefire with European troops and equipment and U.S. security guarantees. Trump has shown little enthusiasm for the idea, however, and a ceasefire remains elusive. British officials say the 'coalition of the willing' idea is alive and well, with Macron and Starmer due to join an international videoconference on Thursday to discuss planning for the force. Macron said the coalition was a sign that 'Europeans will never abandon Ukraine — never.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
France and Britain will ‘save Europe,' Macron says as he starts U.K. state visit
LONDON — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged Britain to stick close to its neighbours despite its exit from the European Union, saying France and the U.K. will 'save Europe' by standing for democracy, law and international order in a dangerous world. Article content On a state visit that mixed royal pageantry with tough political talks on Ukraine and migration, Macron said Europe must strengthen its economy and defences and reduce its dependence 'on both the U.S. and China.' Article content Article content Article content Macron's three-day trip, at the invitation of King Charles III, is the first state visit to the U.K. by a European Union head of state since Brexit, and a symbol of the U.K. government's desire to reset relations with the bloc after Britain acrimoniously left the EU in 2020. Article content Article content 'The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference,' Macron said, adding that 'we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity.' Article content He said that even though Britain has left the EU, 'the United Kingdom cannot stay on the sidelines. Because defence and security, competitiveness, democracy — the very core of our identity — are connected across Europe as a continent.' Article content Article content Article content The French president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were treated to the full force of British ceremonial charm, a far cry from the chilly relations of 2022, when then-Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the 'jury is out' on whether Macron was a friend or a foe. Article content Article content The Macrons were greeted at London's RAF Northolt air base by Prince William and his wife Catherine — wearing a dress by French design house Christian Dior — before being met by King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor, west of London. They were driven to the almost 1,000-year-old royal residence of Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, through streets bedecked in Union Jacks and French tricolor flags. Article content The king and queen hosted a banquet for the Macrons at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, with 160 guests including politicians, diplomats and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John. They were served summer vegetables, chicken with asparagus and iced blackcurrant parfait, along with Champagne and a gin-infused cocktail called L'entente, after the 'entente cordiale' struck between Britain and France in 1904.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Macron says France and Britain will ‘save Europe'
LONDON (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged Britain to stick close to its neighbors despite its exit from the European Union, saying France and the UK will 'save Europe' by standing for democracy, law and international order in a dangerous world. On a state visit that mixed royal pageantry with tough political talks on Ukraine and migration, Macron said Europe must strengthen its economy and defenses and reduce its dependence 'on both the US and China.' Macron's three-day trip, at the invitation of King Charles III , is the first state visit to the UK by a European Union head of state since Brexit, and a symbol of the UK government's desire to reset relations with the bloc after Britain acrimoniously left the EU in 2020. Macron addressed members of both houses of Britain's Parliament packed into the building's ornate Royal Gallery. He said the two countries represent 'a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity, an order that is today being attacked on a daily basis.' 'The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference,' Macron said, adding that "we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity.' He said that even though Britain has left the EU, "the United Kingdom cannot stay on the sidelines. Because defense and security, competitiveness, democracy — the very core of our identity — are connected across Europe as a continent.' The French president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were treated to the full force of British ceremonial charm, a far cry from the chilly relations of 2022, when then-Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the 'jury is out' on whether Macron was a friend or a foe. The Macrons were greeted at London's RAF Northolt air base by Prince William and his wife Catherine — wearing a dress by French design house Christian Dior — before being met by King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor, west of London. They were driven to the almost 1,000-year-old royal residence of Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, through streets bedecked in Union Jacks and French tricolor flags. The king and queen hosted a banquet for the Macrons at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, with 160 guests including politicians, diplomats and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John. They were served summer vegetables, chicken with asparagus and iced blackcurrant parfait, along with Champagne and a gin-infused cocktail called L'entente, after the 'entente cordiale' struck between Britain and France in 1904. As monarch, Charles is expected to be above politics, but he spoke about the support Britain and France give Ukraine 'in defense of our shared values," noted the challenge of 'irregular migration across the English Channel' and said the two countries face 'complex threats, emanating from multiple directions. 'As friends and as allies, we face them together,' Charles said. Politics will take center stage on Wednesday, when Macron sits down for talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on migration, defense and investment — including a 12.5 percent stake by French energy firm EDF in a new nuclear power plant planned for eastern England. Macron also came bearing a tantalizing cultural gift: an agreement to send the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain for the first time in more than 900 years. The 70-meter tapestry showing the Norman conquest of England in 1066 will go on display at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027. At talks Wednesday and a UK-France summit on Thursday, Macron and Starmer will discuss ways to stop migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats and try to advance plans for a post-ceasefire security force for Ukraine, despite apparent US indifference to the idea and Russia's refusal to halt the onslaught on its neighbor. Britain receives fewer asylum-seekers than Mediterranean European countries, but thousands of migrants each year use northern France as a launching point to reach the UK, either by stowing away in trucks or — after a clampdown on that route — in small boats across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The UK has struck a series of deals with France over the years to increase patrols of beaches and share intelligence in an attempt to disrupt the smuggling gangs. It has all had only a limited impact. About 37,000 people were detected crossing the English Channel in small boats in 2024, and more than 20,000 people made the crossing in the first six months of 2025, up by about 50 percent from the same period last year. Dozens of people have died trying to cross. British officials have been pushing for French police to intervene more forcefully to stop the boats, and welcomed the sight of officers slashing rubber dinghies with knives in recent days. France is also considering a UK proposal for a 'one-in, one-out' deal that would see France take back some migrants who reached Britain, in return for the UK accepting some of those in France. Macron said the leaders would try 'to fix today what is a burden for our two countries.' 'France and the UK have a shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness," he said. Starmer and Macron have worked closely together to rally support for Ukraine, though they have taken contrasting approaches to US President Donald Trump, with Macron more willing to challenge the American president than the emollient Starmer. Britain and France have led efforts to form an international peacekeeping force for Ukraine to reinforce a future ceasefire with European troops and equipment and US security guarantees. Trump has shown little enthusiasm for the idea, however, and a ceasefire remains elusive. British officials say the 'coalition of the willing' idea is alive and well, with Macron and Starmer due to join an international videoconference on Thursday to discuss planning for the force. Macron said the coalition was a sign that 'Europeans will never abandon Ukraine – never.'
Evening Standard
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Starmer and Macron to meet at No 10 amid push for French help on small boats
While they are being hosted by the King at Windsor, the Macrons will lay flowers on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and see Fabuleu de Maucour, a horse the French president gave Elizabeth in 2022 to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Macron says France and Britain will 'save Europe'
French President Emmanuel Macron urges Britain to stick close to its neighbours despite exiting the European Union, saying France and the UK will "save Europe" by standing for democracy, law and international order in a dangerous world. On a state visit that mixed royal pageantry with tough political talks on Ukraine and migration, Macron said Europe must strengthen its economy and defences and reduce its dependence "on both the US and China". Macron's three-day trip, at the invitation of King Charles III, is the first state visit to the UK by a European Union head of state since Brexit, and a symbol of the UK government's desire to reset relations with the bloc after Britain acrimoniously left the EU in 2020. Macron addressed members of both houses of Britain's parliament packed into the building's ornate Royal Gallery. He said the two countries represent "a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity, an order that is today being attacked on a daily basis". "The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference," Macron said, adding that "we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity". He said that even though Britain has left the EU, "the United Kingdom cannot stay on the sidelines. Because defence and security, competitiveness, democracy - the very core of our identity - are connected across Europe as a continent." The French president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were treated to the full force of British ceremonial charm, a far cry from the chilly relations of 2022 when then-foreign secretary Liz Truss said that the "jury is out" on whether Macron was a friend or a foe. The Macrons were greeted at London's RAF Northolt air base by Prince William and his wife Catherine - wearing a dress by French design house Christian Dior - before being met by King Charles and Queen Camilla in Windsor, west of London. They were driven to the almost 1000-year-old royal residence of Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, through streets bedecked in Union Jacks and French tricolour flags. The king and queen hosted a banquet for the Macrons at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, with 160 guests including politicians, diplomats and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John. They were served summer vegetables, chicken with asparagus and iced blackcurrant parfait, along with champagne and a gin-infused cocktail called L'entente, after the "entente cordiale" struck between Britain and France in 1904. As monarch, King Charles is expected to be above politics, but he spoke about the support Britain and France give Ukraine "in defence of our shared values", noted the challenge of "irregular migration across the English Channel" and said the two countries face "complex threats, emanating from multiple directions". "As friends and as allies, we face them together," he said.
