LONDON (Realist English). French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the United Kingdom and France to leave behind the divisions of Brexit and deepen cooperation on shared challenges, including defence and irregular migration. Speaking before both Houses of the British Parliament on the opening day of a three-day state visit, Macron delivered a symbolic message of unity, saying: “Let’s not allow the Channel to grow wider.”
In a rare address marking the first state visit by an EU leader to Britain since Brexit, Macron acknowledged the rupture caused by the UK’s departure from the European Union, calling it “deeply regrettable”, but insisted the Franco-British alliance had strengthened in recent years. “This is a decision we respect,” he said. “Yet our relationship has grown stronger, not weaker.”
Macron stressed that while the UK was no longer part of the EU, it could not afford to remain on the sidelines of European affairs, especially in a world facing growing instability. “There is an expectation in Europe,” he said, “that faced with revisionist neighbours, our two countries have a special responsibility for the security of the continent. It is time to articulate it.”
His speech comes amid broader efforts to restore ties frayed by years of tension over fishing rights, post-Brexit trade, and asylum policy. A deal between London and Paris to return asylum seekers to France remains unresolved, while British officials have accused France of not doing enough to curb cross-Channel migration.
Macron struck a more conciliatory tone, stating that while the hope for a better life is “legitimate,” migration rules must not be “exploited.” He called for closer cooperation with third countries to disrupt smuggling networks and manage flows across Europe.
He also backed the May EU–UK agreement to develop a new youth mobility scheme, urging more exchanges between students, artists and academics. “Let’s make sure our children have the same opportunities we had,” he said to sustained applause.
The visit features both political dialogue and royal ceremony, including a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. Macron, known for his wit in diplomatic settings, remarked: “We love monarchy, especially when it’s not at home.”
Calling for a long-term partnership, Macron concluded: “Go together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder — this is our common destiny.”
The French president’s visit underscores a strategic pivot toward renewed bilateralism at a time when both London and Paris face an increasingly assertive Russia and a less predictable United States. While disagreements remain, Macron’s message was clear: the future of European stability depends, in part, on a revitalised Anglo-French partnership.
