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) (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. \