Overview
- Macron and Starmer are set to sign updated defense cooperation pacts that build on the 2010 Lancaster House treaties to address new security threats.
- The leaders will ratify a “one in, one out” migration framework allowing the UK to return irregular Channel arrivals to France in exchange for asylum placements in Britain.
- They will co-chair a virtual meeting of the volunteer coalition supporting Ukraine to coordinate weapons deliveries and press for a future ceasefire.
- This is the first state visit by a French president since 2008 and the first by any EU leader post-Brexit, aiming to reset bilateral ties on multilateralism.
- Media attention remains fixed on First Lady Brigitte Macron’s decision to ignore her husband’s offered hand at RAF Northolt, echoing a similar May incident in Vietnam.