France and the UK have made important agreements on migration, nuclear cooperation, and support for Ukraine during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to London. The visit, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, lasted three days and included a royal welcome with King Charles at Windsor Castle.
New Migration Deal: “One In, One Out”
A key part of the talks was a new migration deal. Under this agreement, the UK will send back migrants who arrive illegally in small boats to France. In return, the UK will accept the same number of legal asylum seekers from France — but only those who have family members living in Britain.
Prime Minister Starmer called it a “groundbreaking returns pilot.” He said, “For the first time, migrants arriving in small boats will be quickly detained and sent back to France.” This plan aims to stop people from making dangerous journeys across the English Channel.
However, this deal still needs legal approval and agreement from the European Union, so it may take time to start.
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More Missiles for Ukraine
The UK and France also discussed helping Ukraine in its fight against Russia. They announced that a new European military coordination center has opened in Paris. Both countries promised to send more Storm Shadow long-range missiles to Ukraine and to begin work on new weapons systems.
Macron Pushes for Palestinian State
President Macron also spoke about the war in Gaza. He urged the UK to join France in officially recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it “the only hope for peace.” He stressed that a ceasefire is urgently needed and supported the idea of a two-state solution — one for Israel and one for Palestine — to bring long-term peace to the region.
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This visit highlights stronger cooperation between the UK and France on major global issues, from immigration and security to war and peace.
