Macron and Starmer Pledge Joint Action on Illegal Migration Ahead of Bilateral Summit
London, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have agreed on the urgent need for new and shared solutions to tackle illegal migration, particularly the growing issue of small boat crossings across the English Channel. The understanding was reached during a working lunch in London on Wednesday, Starmer’s office confirmed.
The meeting marks the first state visit by a European leader to the United Kingdom since Brexit and is seen as a pivotal moment in resetting UK–EU relations. Both leaders underscored their mutual commitment to achieving tangible progress on curbing irregular migration and strengthening border cooperation.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, it was noted that, “The leaders agreed tackling the threat of irregular migration and small boat crossings is a shared priority that requires shared solutions.”
The leaders’ dialogue sets the stage for a bilateral summit scheduled for Thursday, during which migration is expected to be a central topic alongside broader strategic, economic, and security cooperation.
The meeting reflects a renewed spirit of collaboration between London and Paris following years of tension post-Brexit, with both governments seeking a more coordinated and effective approach to one of Europe’s most pressing challenges.
