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Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
France's Macron makes a state visit to the UK with migration and Ukraine on the agenda
LONDON (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Britain on Tuesday for a state visit mixing royal pageantry with thorny political talks about stopping migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also 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 neighbor. Macron's three-day visit, 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 British government's desire to reset relations with the bloc that the U.K. acrimoniously left in 2020. The president and his wife, Brigitte Macron , will be driven to Windsor Castle by horse-drawn carriage, greeted by a military honor guard and treated to a state banquet hosted by the king and Queen Camilla. The British royals made a state visit to France in September 2023. Macron also will address both houses of Britain's Parliament in the building's fabulously ornate Royal Gallery before sitting down for talks with Starmer on migration, defense and investment. At a U.K.-France summit on Thursday, senior government officials from the two countries will discuss small-boat crossings, a thorny issue for successive governments on both sides of the channel. 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, the second-highest annual figure after 46,000 in 2022. 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 attempting the crossing. Starmer, whose center-left government was elected a year ago, has pledged to ' smash the gangs ' behind organized people-smuggling. His plan rests on closer cooperation with France and with countries further up the migrants' route from Africa and the Middle East. The U.K. also aims to strike deals with individual nations to take back failed asylum seekers. 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. U.K. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the French are 'bringing in important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water.' Britain also is pushing France to let officers intervene against boats in deeper waters, a change the government in Paris is considering. Campaigners for migrants' rights and a police union warn that doing so could endanger both migrants and officers. Starmer spokesperson Tom Wells said some of the tactics being discussed are 'operationally and legally complex, but we're working closely with the French.' The two leaders 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. Starmer spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday about the 'significant progress being made by military planners,' the British leader's office said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Hill
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
France's Macron makes a state visit to the UK with migration and Ukraine on the agenda
LONDON (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Britain on Tuesday for a state visit mixing royal pageantry with thorny political talks about stopping migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also 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 neighbor. Macron's three-day visit, 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 British government's desire to reset relations with the bloc that the U.K. acrimoniously left in 2020. The president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, will be driven to Windsor Castle by horse-drawn carriage, greeted by a military honor guard and treated to a state banquet hosted by the king and Queen Camilla. The British royals made a state visit to France in September 2023. Macron also will address both houses of Britain's Parliament in the building's fabulously ornate Royal Gallery before sitting down for talks with Starmer on migration, defense and investment. At a U.K.-France summit on Thursday, senior government officials from the two countries will discuss small-boat crossings, a thorny issue for successive governments on both sides of the channel. 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, the second-highest annual figure after 46,000 in 2022. 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 attempting the crossing. Starmer, whose center-left government was elected a year ago, has pledged to ' smash the gangs ' behind organized people-smuggling. His plan rests on closer cooperation with France and with countries further up the migrants' route from Africa and the Middle East. The U.K. also aims to strike deals with individual nations to take back failed asylum seekers. 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. U.K. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the French are 'bringing in important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water.' Britain also is pushing France to let officers intervene against boats in deeper waters, a change the government in Paris is considering. Campaigners for migrants' rights and a police union warn that doing so could endanger both migrants and officers. Starmer spokesperson Tom Wells said some of the tactics being discussed are 'operationally and legally complex, but we're working closely with the French.' The two leaders 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. Starmer spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday about the 'significant progress being made by military planners,' the British leader's office said.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
France's Macron makes a state visit to the UK with migration and Ukraine on the agenda
LONDON (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Britain on Tuesday for a state visit mixing royal pageantry with thorny political talks about stopping migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also 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 neighbor. Macron's three-day visit, 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 British government's desire to reset relations with the bloc that the U.K. acrimoniously left in 2020. The president and his wife, Brigitte Macron, will be driven to Windsor Castle by horse-drawn carriage, greeted by a military honor guard and treated to a state banquet hosted by the king and Queen Camilla. The British royals made a state visit to France in September 2023. Macron also will address both houses of Britain's Parliament in the building's fabulously ornate Royal Gallery before sitting down for talks with Starmer on migration, defense and investment. At a U.K.-France summit on Thursday, senior government officials from the two countries will discuss small-boat crossings, a thorny issue for successive governments on both sides of the channel. 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, the second-highest annual figure after 46,000 in 2022. 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 attempting the crossing. Starmer, whose center-left government was elected a year ago, has pledged to ' smash the gangs ' behind organized people-smuggling. His plan rests on closer cooperation with France and with countries further up the migrants' route from Africa and the Middle East. The U.K. also aims to strike deals with individual nations to take back failed asylum seekers. 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. U.K. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the French are 'bringing in important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water.' Britain also is pushing France to let officers intervene against boats in deeper waters, a change the government in Paris is considering. Campaigners for migrants' rights and a police union warn that doing so could endanger both migrants and officers. Starmer spokesperson Tom Wells said some of the tactics being discussed are 'operationally and legally complex, but we're working closely with the French.' The two leaders 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. Starmer spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday about the 'significant progress being made by military planners,' the British leader's office said.
Web Release
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Queen Elizabeth 2 Enhances its Royal Gallery with Revamped Archival Display Celebrating Visits by Global Dignitaries
The Queen Elizabeth 2, Hotel, one of Dubai's most iconic attractions, and a historic symbol of British maritime excellence, has unveiled a beautifully enhanced Royal Gallery, located in the original 'Queen's Grill Lounge'. This refined space now features a curated display of rare and historically significant photographs, spotlighting decades of Royal visits and encounters aboard the legendary ocean liner. A treasured vessel once synonymous with state visits and royal patronage, the QE2 has hosted some of the most illustrious figures of the 20th century. The newly updated Royal Gallery offers guests a deeper connection to this legacy, with newly restored images that now include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne, and Diana, Princess of Wales among others. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, said, 'The Queen Elizabeth 2 is a living archive of 20th-century history, diplomacy, and Royal tradition. With the enhancement of the Royal Gallery, we are paying tribute to the moments that shaped the ship's iconic status. Every image displayed is a window into history and a reminder of the QE2's enduring global significance.' To ensure the longevity and clarity of this valuable archive, all photographs have been revamped with UV-resistant printing technology, offering enhanced protection against light exposure while maintaining the authenticity of the original imagery. This significant upgrade not only preserves the collection for future generations but also elevates the visual experience for guests walking through this historically rich corridor. This enhancement is part of a broader initiative to continuously enhance the ship's onboard Heritage experiences, providing guests not only with one-of-a-kind hospitality but also a chance to relive the ship's most majestic moments. The Royal Gallery now serves as a storytelling space, honouring not just Royal personalities, but the powerful presence of the QE2 in world affairs, ceremonial tradition, and royal history. The gallery is open to all hotel guests and Heritage Tour visitors and forms an integral part of the immersive heritage offering aboard the QE2. Heritage Tours Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences · QE2 Heritage Tour A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. · QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. · QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). · QE2 Dine & Discover Combine the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai's most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. For inquiries, please contact us at Phone: +971 4 526 8888 or Email: [email protected]
Scotsman
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomes Glenfiddich as a Presenting Partner
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has named Single Malt Scotch Whisky Glenfiddich as a Presenting Partner in a move that unites two iconic Scottish institutions recognised around the world. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new, three-year partnership will see Glenfiddich sold at bars across the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and hospitality suites during the event this year which take place from August 1 to 23. Glenfiddich, which holds the title of the World's Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, will also have a starring role at the venue's prestigious Royal Gallery, which offers VIP guests stunning views over the City of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle as well as of the dazzling event itself. In 2025, Glenfiddich will be recognised as Presenting Partner of The Royal Gallery,helping to create an unforgettable experience in the iconic venue. Glenfiddich joins a range of high-calibre backers of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, featuring many renowned names such as Innis & Gunn, Pentland Land Rover, and Vodafone. A specially curated range of Glenfiddich drams chosen specifically for the Show will be available for purchase at bars throughout the arena, at hospitality venues and within The Royal Gallery. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The new partnership also comes in the year of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's 75th anniversary, which is being celebrated with a range of initiatives embodying the values of the landmark event. They include it making a generous £750,000 donation to various military charities such as The Army Benevolent Fund, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, all dedicated to supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo x Glenfiddich This year The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo theme is The Heroes Who Made Us which will spotlight the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years. Glenfiddich are now part of the Tattoo's rich history, that makes it the internationally renowned production that it is today. Dougal Gordon, Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador said: 'We are extremely pleased to become an Official Sponsor of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most prestigious and vibrant events in the international events calendar. 'It also unites the best of captivating, centuries-old Scottish tradition with a global audience in an innovative and evolving way, something it very much shares with Glenfiddich. Our business dates back to 1887 and is one of the few Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilleries to remain entirely family owned. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Glenfiddich is now recognised and enjoyed in markets around the world, and, like The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we like to support the community we are in, so we are proud to be part of the Show and spotlighting the heroes that make the Tattoo and our whisky. We look forward to offering Tattoo fans and performers at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, whether they're from Newhaven in Edinburgh or New Zealand, the chance to sample our exceptional single malts.' The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Welcomes Single Malt Scotch Whisky Glenfiddich as a Presenting Partner Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: "We are delighted to welcome Glenfiddich as a Presenting Partner joining the prestigious list of partners who all help ensure that the Show is even more enjoyable for our audiences every year. 'Glenfiddich and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are aligned in so many ways, with both having long histories and strong Scottish connections, something that is even more notable in the year of our 75th anniversary. Both brands represent the best of Scotland on a world stage, and we now look forward to whisky-lovers enjoying the Show with a special dram of Glenfiddich to the unparalleled sounds of the Massed Pipes and Drums.'
