Macron's State Visit: A Symbol of Favour and Flexibility in Post-Brexit Diplomacy

Strategic Insights -

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron for a state visit marks a significant gesture of goodwill and pragmatic post-Brexit diplomacy. This week's high-profile visit is a direct result of Starmer's efforts to cultivate a closer relationship with the Élysée Palace during his opposition days. The visit aims to yield policy gains on issues like small boats and immigration, areas where Macron was previously unwilling to compromise with Starmer's Conservative predecessors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The invitation to Macron is a reflection of Starmer's commitment to upgrading cross-Channel relations and building mutual trust with the French government.
  • The prime minister's priority is a deal to control small boat immigration, which Macron has agreed to in a more substantial manner than with previous Conservative governments.
  • Macron's visit also highlights the benefits of pragmatic post-Brexit diplomacy, which has allowed the UK to secure better deals on trade and cooperation compared to its predecessors.
  • The Franco-British relationship remains a love-hate affair, with the EU's integrity being a top priority for Macron and the French president maintaining a healthy dose of defiance towards the US president.
  • Starmer is aware that flattery is essential in dealings with Trump, but he has opted for an emollient approach, whereas Macron has publicly rebuked the US president's threats to annex Greenland.
  • The main difference between Macron and Starmer in dealing with Trump lies in their geopolitical arithmetic, with the French president representing a 27-nation bloc with a significant economic superpower status.

Statistics:

  • Macron has held office since 2017 and has dealt with five UK prime ministers, making him the first French president to receive a state visit under Starmer.
  • Only two UK prime ministers have received two state visits, Trump being the first one, receving his state visit in his first term.
  • The Labour government had to wait for Starmer's leadership to secure a better deal on small boats and immigration with Macron.
  • The UK has secured a lower tariff deal with the EU, which has been the result of "relative leniency" for an uncertain period within the regime of arbitrary extortion.
  • France and the UK share a significant history and strategic interests that predate and transcend Brexit, including their roles as the only nuclear-armed powers in Western Europe.
  • The two countries have been working closely in matters of security and defence, and now are part of the "coalition of the willing" supporting Ukraine.

Sources:

  • Rafael Behr, "Macron will enjoy his royal welcome. But the Franco-British relationship remains a love-hate affair | Paul Taylor", (no date)
  • Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer in Parliament Square, central London, 8 July 2025.