The resumption of the annual summit mechanism between the UK and France, after years of hiatus, is considered an attempt to breathe new life into the relationship between the two neighbouring countries. Talking about the meeting between Macron and the British Prime Minister, the French President’s Office confirmed that a new beginning in the relations between the two countries had opened. Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister also said Paris was “a close neighbour, a great friend and a historic ally”.
One of the outstanding results achieved after the talks at the Elysee Palace in Paris was an agreement to stop the flow of illegal migrants from the UK to France.
Under the newly signed deal, the UK will pay France 577 million USD over three years, to stop the flow of migrants crossing the English Channel, increase patrols and operate detention centres for illegal migrants. Prime Minister Sunak emphasised that the two leaders share the same views on this issue and the new agreement has raised cooperation between the two countries to the highest level ever.
Analysts say that the signing of the above agreement is important for London, because illegal migration is a burning problem in the UK, and is also one of the five challenges that Prime Minister Sunak prioritises dealing with in his term. More than 45,000 illegal migrants crossed the English Channel by small boats to reach the UK in 2022, an increase of more than 60% from the number recorded a year ago. In that context, cooperation with Paris is one of the key factors to help London solve this difficult problem.
Besides illegal migration, the British Prime Minister and the French President also discussed common challenges, such as energy supply, security, and others. Experts said that the meeting between the two leaders will pave the way for the UK’s King Charles III to make his first state visit to France, since ascending the throne in September 2022.
Prime Minister Sunak stated that the deep history, geographical proximity, and common global outlook, mean that a firm partnership between the two countries is not just valuable, it is essential. According to the British leader, in the face of new and unprecedented threats, the two countries need to strengthen the structures of their alliance, to be ready to take on the challenges of the future. President Macron also affirmed that it is time for the two countries to have a new beginning and that the UK and France together, will face many challenges.
Creating an opportunity to heal the rifts that have lasted for many years and lay the foundation for building a new chapter in bilateral relations, is the goal that the two countries hope to achieve after this meeting. Since the British people voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum, relations between Britain and France have gone through many ups and downs.
Paris is one of the EU members that maintains the toughest stance in the negotiations for a post-Brexit deal with London. The two countries are also at odds on many issues, such as fishing, illegal migration through the English Channel, and a trilateral security agreement between the US, UK and Australia (AUKUS).
In addition, experts said that the UK’s rapprochement with France, a key player in the EU, also reflects London’s desire to improve relations with the bloc, after a long time of tension, caused by the disagreement over Brexit. Last month, the UK and EU reached a breakthrough in negotiations, to settle a dispute over a post-Brexit trade deal.
Besides the prospect of wide cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, and security, the UK and France also share close interests in many international issues. As the rifts are gradually healed, analysts expect the relationship between London and Paris to continue to improve, in the coming time.
