Macron Urges UK to Move Closer to EU, Brands Brexit 'Deeply Regrettable'

Strategic Insights -

In a tense address to both Houses of Parliament, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the UK not to "stay on the sidelines" of the EU, reiterating his criticism of Brexit and calling for closer ties between the two nations. Macron's comments have been seen as a fresh swipe at the UK's decision to leave the EU, with the French leader stating that the UK and EU must work together to address common challenges such as democracy, defence, and the rise of China and the US. The address comes as relations between the UK and EU continue to be strained, with Macron's words being seen as a direct challenge to Boris Johnson's government.

Key Takeaways:

  • Macron urged Keir Starmer not to "stay on the sidelines" of the EU, renewing his attack on Brexit.
  • The French President described Brexit as "deeply regrettable," but acknowledged that the UK had respected the decision to leave the EU.
  • Macron called for the UK and EU to work together on key issues such as democracy, defence, and addressing the rise of China and the US.
  • He encouraged Sir Keir Starmer to back the recognition of a Palestinian state and criticised Israel's continued action in Gaza.
  • Macron stated that the UK and EU must "de-risk" their economies and societies from both China and the US, warning that the superpowers have little regard for free trade.

Statistics:

  • Macron has previously been accused of trying to "punish" the UK for Brexit, with Boris Johnson describing him as a "positive nuisance" during Brexit negotiations.
  • The UK's departure from the EU has been described as "deeply regrettable" by Macron, but he acknowledged that the UK had respected the decision to leave.
  • Macron has urged the UK to move closer to the EU, calling for closer ties between the two nations.

Sources:

  • "Mr Macron, who has been accused of trying to 'punish' the UK for Brexit in the past, used his joint address to both Houses of Parliament to renew his attack on Britain's 2016 decision to leave the EU." - Jason Groves, Political Editor for THE
  • "Boris Johnson wrote last year that the French leader had been a 'positive nuisance' during negotiations and had 'really meant it when he said that Brexit Britain must be punished.'" - Jason Groves, Political Editor for THE
  • "In Parliament, Mr Macron said the UK and France had to work together to 'de-risk' their economies and societies from both China and the US, warning that the superpowers had little regard for free trade." - Jason Groves, Political Editor for THE