In a significant display of solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer recently embarked on a train journey to Kyiv, accompanied by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This joint trip underscored a powerful message of support for Ukraine at a critical juncture, particularly as concerns mount over flagging US commitment to the conflict.
The “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris, attended by Macron and Starmer, further highlighted the strengthening ties between France and the UK. This wasn’t the first high-level interaction between the two leaders; Macron has seen much of Starmer lately at summits in London, Canada and The Hague — and Starmer has visited France five times since becoming PM.
Beyond the immediate focus on Ukraine, the UK and France are actively seeking common ground on a range of bilateral issues. A key area of cooperation is the development of an agreement on migrant returns. The urgency of this matter is underscored by the significant number of individuals arriving in the UK via small boats, with over 20,000 recorded in the first six months of 2025. Joint efforts to address this challenge are seen as crucial for managing borders and strengthening security.
The historical relationship between the two nations, though sometimes strained, as evidenced by the post-Brexit negotiations where Macron famously stated the campaign was “based on a lie,” is now undergoing a period of renewed focus and potential recalibration. Both leaders recognize the importance of a robust Franco-British partnership in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
King Charles III has also been an active participant in fostering stronger ties. During his recent visit to Paris, he engaged in discussions with President Macron and played table tennis with Brigitte Macron, symbolizing the friendly cultural exchanges between the two countries. Earlier, King Charles had called for France and the UK to find common ground “to reinvigorate our friendship,” a sentiment that seems to be resonating in current diplomatic efforts.
The cooperative spirit extends to the diplomatic arena, with both nations aiming to present a united front on international security and economic stability. The ongoing dialogue and strategic alignment between the UK and France are crucial for reinforcing European solidarity and addressing shared global challenges.