Overview
- France’s National Rally leader Jordan Bardella met Reform UK’s Nigel Farage in London on December 9, sharing a photo afterward and saying they discussed economic priorities and mass immigration.
- Bardella said he would support joint French‑British patrols and permit UK Border Force 'pushbacks' in the Channel, a change from France’s past refusal to take back returned boats and one that would require bilateral agreement and face legal scrutiny.
- He outlined additional proposals including processing asylum claims at French embassies and consulates abroad, systematic expulsions of foreign offenders, and prioritising French citizens for social housing and assistance.
- Bardella described the talks as part of preparing their movements to exercise power and said he believes Farage will be the next UK prime minister.
- During the London visit, which included a private lunch at 5 Hertford Street, Bardella also said he does not need backing from U.S. President Donald Trump.