A series of drastic steps taken by the leaders of the two countries in recent times is evidence of the determination to warm up the once cold relationship between the two sides of the English Channel, aiming to respond to common challenges.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UK marks an important event for both European nations, as he is the first French president to make a state visit to the UK since former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit in 2008.
According to media reports, during the visit, the French President will deliver an important speech before the UK Parliament and attend the UK–France Summit.
This visit is considered a significant step forward in bilateral relations, especially when seen against the backdrop of recent turbulence. France, once a member of the EU, maintained a tough stance during post-Brexit deal negotiations with the UK. In addition to the fierce disagreements related to Brexit and fisheries disputes, the AUKUS security treaty that the UK signed with the US and Australia in 2021 caused strong opposition from France, calling it a "stab in the back" of its allies.
Migration has also been a contentious issue between the two sides. The number of migrants crossing the English Channel in the first six months of 2025 exceeded 20,000, up 48% compared to the same period in 2024. The UK is currently negotiating with France on a proposed exchange: for each small boat sent back to France, the UK will accept an asylum seeker from France on the basis of family reunification.
The Labour-led government in the UK is advocating for improved relations with the EU and its member states at a time when global geopolitical conditions remain volatile. Under the tenure of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, numerous decisive actions have been taken to “reset” the UK’s relationship with the EU as well as with key EU partners such as France and Germany.
In November 2024, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited France to attend the Armistice Day commemoration in Paris. He was the first UK leader to participate in this event in France since 1944. In June 2025, UK Prime Minister Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada, where they reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation in defence and migration.
The efforts of London and Paris to warm bilateral relations are considered a practical step for both sides. By moving closer to France, a country that plays a key role in the EU, the UK also wants to improve relations with the EU and reduce the damage from Brexit. According to the UK Government, the country’s agricultural exports have fallen by 21% and imports by 7% since it left the EU.
In May this year, the first summit between the UK and the EU since Brexit ended successfully with an agreement to reset bilateral relations in the post-Brexit period in six key areas. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that the event marked a new chapter in a unique relationship between the two sides.
The UK and France are also working to maintain unity and cohesion in Europe, especially as the continent faces pressure from the US regarding defence spending. Currently, the UK and EU countries share close interests in many international issues such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Commenting on the significance of President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing visit to the UK, the UK Prime Minister’s Office affirmed that it offers a historic opportunity to showcase the breadth of the UK–France relationship. The strengthening of bilateral ties is viewed as a step in the right direction, enabling both nations to more effectively address the emerging challenges in security, the economy, and geopolitics across Europe.
