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Macron: Britain and France must shoulder burden of keeping Europe safe

France’s President Emmanuel Macron with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Suzanne Plunkett/PA)
France’s President Emmanuel Macron with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) (PA Wire)
  • French President Emmanuel Macron became the first European leader since Brexit to undertake a state visit to the UK and address a joint sitting of Parliament.
  • Macron urged Britain and France to collaborate closely on European security, defence, and the migrant crisis, emphasising their shared responsibility as the continent's leading military powers.
  • He stressed the urgency of defending Europe against Russian aggression in Ukraine, warning that its advance threatens all European nations.
  • Acknowledging Brexit as a past event, President Macron called for a renewed close bond between the UK and France, highlighting cultural exchanges like the Bayeux Tapestry display.
  • The visit included a state banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, alongside discussions on critical political issues such as the ongoing Channel migrant crossings. \
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