Keir Starmer Wraps Up Meet with Macron: A Symbolic Step Towards Strengthening UK-France Relations

Keir Starmer Wraps Up Meet with Macron: A Symbolic Step Towards Strengthening UK-France Relations

A Low-Key Yet Symbolic Meeting

Labour leader Keir Starmer recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, a significant yet low-key encounter that served as the conclusion of Starmer’s international mini-tour. Unlike what might be expected, Brexit and migration policies were not the central focus of their discussion. Instead, the conversation revolved around various topics such as the economy, energy security, supporting Ukraine, and fortifying the France-UK bilateral partnership.

The meeting lasted for 45 minutes and was held at the Élysée Palace. This was the first one-on-one engagement between the two leaders. Sources from Élysée described the meeting as “warm and engaging” and emphasized the discussion about the importance of reinforcing cooperation between France and the UK.

Strengthening UK-France Partnership

Starmer deemed the meeting as “very constructive and positive”. He expressed how much he values the relationship between the UK and France and made it clear that if Labour were elected into power, they intend to strengthen this relationship even further.

Alongside discussions, the two leaders exchanged gifts. Macron presented Starmer with cufflinks featuring the logo of the French Republic, while Starmer gave Macron an Arsenal shirt with “Macron” and the number 25 on the back, signifying Macron’s position as the 25th president of France.

Political Discussions and Future Prospects

Accompanied by Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, and David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, Starmer described his conversation with Macron as a “very political discussion” covering a host of issues. However, he declined to comment on whether he believed Macron was hoping for a Labour win in the next general election.

This meeting with Macron signifies a step towards mending fences with the European Union, especially after years of tensions over Brexit. It also highlights Starmer’s cautious ambition of improving the country’s trade agreement with the European Union if he assumes power in 2025.

Implications for International Relations

The meeting between Starmer and Macron not only highlights the importance of strengthening cooperation between the UK and France but also implies the significance of maintaining prosperous and secure relations between the two nations. This bilateral partnership aims to ensure economic stability, energy security, and continued support for international issues like the situation in Ukraine.

Starmer’s international mini-tour and his meeting with Macron reflect the Labour leader’s intentions of stepping into the international limelight, wooing international investors, and promising economic stability if he were to be elected into power.