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Macron Calls on UK to Recognise Palestine, Deepen European Cooperation in Landmark State Visit
Macron urges UK to support Palestinian statehood & stronger EU ties on first post-Brexit state visit. Warns of overreliance on US/China. Talks with Starmer to focus on Ukraine, migration & trade.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-09
Macron Calls on UK to Recognise Palestine, Deepen European Cooperation in Landmark State Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the United Kingdom to recognise the State of Palestine and work jointly with France to support Ukraine, reinvigorate European alliances, and reduce “excessive dependencies” on the United States and China.

During a historic three-day state visit — the first by a European leader since Brexit — Macron addressed both houses of the British Parliament, calling for a “shoulder-to-shoulder” partnership between the UK and France.

“The only way to overcome the challenges of our times is to go together — hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder,” Macron said in English at Westminster.

He urged the UK to align with France and other European allies in formally recognising Palestine, describing it as the "only path to peace" amid ongoing devastation in Gaza and increasing violence in the West Bank.

“With Gaza in ruin and the West Bank being attacked daily, the prospect of a Palestinian state has never been more at risk,” Macron said. “Recognition is the only way to build peace and regional stability.”

Strengthening Ties Post-Brexit

Macron’s visit marks a symbolic reset in UK-France relations following years of diplomatic friction after Britain’s departure from the European Union. Hosted by King Charles III, the visit included royal pageantry, a state banquet at Windsor Castle, and warm gestures of cultural exchange.

At the banquet, King Charles declared a new chapter in bilateral relations, upgrading the traditional “Entente Cordiale” to what he called an “Entente Amicale” — a deeper, friendlier alliance.

Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to hold political talks focused on migration, defence cooperation, and investment. Macron is expected to resist calls for a bilateral asylum returns agreement, while Starmer seeks closer collaboration to address rising Channel crossings.

Backing Ukraine & Countering Dependencies

Macron reiterated Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and called for long-term strategic autonomy, warning of Europe’s overreliance on both the U.S. and China.

“We must de-risk our economies and our societies from this dual dependency,” he said, emphasizing joint action on defence, immigration, AI, and climate.

The visit also included announcements of increased French investment in British nuclear energy, with EDF pledging £1.1 billion to a major project in eastern England. A cultural exchange will see the Bayeux Tapestry temporarily return to Britain for the first time in over 900 years, in return for Anglo-Saxon and Viking artefacts being loaned to Paris.

On Thursday, Macron and Starmer will join a high-level call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, aiming to bolster support for Kyiv and increase pressure on Moscow.

A Test for Starmer

For PM Starmer, the visit is an opportunity to showcase diplomatic renewal, but also a test. He is under mounting pressure over illegal immigration and asylum policy, particularly as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK gains ground in the polls.

Starmer hopes Macron may consider a reciprocal asylum agreement, allowing Britain to deport failed asylum seekers in exchange for taking legitimate refugees from France — a proposal Macron has resisted, favouring an EU-wide solution.

As Macron’s call for Palestinian statehood echoes globally, his visit marks not just a bilateral reset, but a bold challenge to UK foreign policy norms.

 
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