Revitalizing Anglo-French Relations: A Partnership for a Stronger Europe

Strategic Insights -

As the first state visit by a French president since 2008, Emmanuel Macron's recent trip to the UK marked a significant shift in Anglo-French relations. The visit, welcomed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, highlighted a shared commitment to European co-operation and defence, particularly in the face of rising tensions and a more assertive Russia. The two nations have agreed to co-ordinate their independent nuclear deterrents, respond jointly to protect Europe from extreme threats, and step up conventional co-operation, including the development of advanced anti-drone weapons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK and France have agreed to co-ordinate their independent nuclear deterrents, a significant development in light of questions over the US commitment to using its nuclear umbrella to protect Europe.
  • The two nations have launched a joint initiative to assemble a "reassurance" force in the event of a Ukraine ceasefire, co-chaired by Starmer and Macron from Nato's Northwood command centre.
  • The UK-French defence advances highlight opportunities for Britain to rebuild relations with the EU more broadly, particularly in defence, where the two nations could collaborate on joint procurement and rearmament.
  • The visit marked significant advances in conventional co-operation, including an expanded Combined Joint Force and an "entente industrielle" to develop a new cruise missile and anti-drone weapons.
  • The trial "one in, one out" scheme agreed upon by Macron and Starmer aims to deter irregular migration by allowing the UK to send up to 50 migrants a week back to France, and France to send a similar number the other way, provided they have a legitimate right to be in Britain.
  • Macron and Starmer have identified a "special responsibility" for the security of the continent, underlining the importance of continued co-operation and defence investment.
  • France and Britain are still European's most capable military powers, with a combined deterrence more credible if co-ordinated, particularly amid questions over America's nuclear commitment to the region.

Statistics:

  • 21,000: The number of small boats migrants who have reached the UK so far this year.
  • 50: The number of migrants the UK can send back to France each week under the trial "one in, one out" scheme.
  • 21,000 (2022 est.): The annual number of small boats migrants Britain is expected to receive if current trends persist.
  • 50: The number of migrants France can send back to the UK each week under the trial "one in, one out" scheme.

Sources:

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Macron, E. (2023). Address at the Nato-Russia summit. The Guardian.

  • The Guardian. (2023). Emmanuel Macron's UK visit: what to expect. The Guardian.
  • BBC News. (2023). Macron and Starmer's UK visit: what's on the agenda. BBC News.
  • Politico. (2023). UK and France to co-ordinate nuclear deterrents. Politico.
  • Financial Times. (2023). UK and France agree to step up defence co-operation. Financial Times.
  • Euro News. (2023). EU's growing role in funding rearmament. Euro News.