Franco-British Relations Hit a Post-Brexit Low Over Migrant Crisis

Franco-British tensions have escalated to a post-Brexit low after a public disagreement between Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson over a cross-Channel border crisis. The crisis was exacerbated by the deaths of 27 people seeking to reach England from France in a small boat. The UK prime minister's decision to publicize a letter to Macron, calling for joint maritime patrols and the return of migrants, has been met with criticism from Paris. Macron accused Johnson of a "cavalier approach" to the problem and withdrew an invitation for UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to join European ministers for a meeting on migrants in Calais.

Key Takeaways:

• Emmanuel Macron criticized Boris Johnson over his failure to act "seriously" to find a solution to the cross-Channel border crisis.
• The UK prime minister's letter to Macron, calling for joint maritime patrols and the return of migrants, was met with criticism from Paris.
• Macron accused Johnson of using a "cavalier approach" to the problem.
• Johnson's decision to publicize the letter through the British media was seen as unprofessional by Macron.
• France withdrew an invitation for UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to join European ministers for a meeting on migrants in Calais.
• Macron confirmed that France will work "seriously" to deal with the crisis, while Johnson's Downing Street office said he had no regrets over the letter.
• Franco-British relations have been deteriorating since the UK's decision to leave the EU in 2016.

Statistics:

• 27 people died while seeking to reach England from France in a small boat.
• The UK prime minister's letter to Macron was publicized through the British media.
• France withdrew an invitation for UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to join European ministers for a meeting on migrants in Calais.
• Since the UK's decision to leave the EU in 2016, Franco-British relations have been embroiled in rancorous disputes over trade, Northern Ireland, fishing, and vaccines.

Sources:

• The Guardian: "Macron criticizes Johnson over 'cavalier approach' to migrant crisis"
• BBC News: "France cancels UK invite to migrant meeting amid row with PM"
• The Telegraph: "Boris Johnson's letter to Macron sparks French fury over migrant crisis"