UK-France Joint Statement following the meeting between
the Prime Minister and President Macron at Blenheim Palace this
evening.
The Prime Minister and the President of the French Republic met
today at Blenheim Palace.
In this, the 120th anniversary year of the Entente Cordiale, the
two leaders discussed the full spectrum of the bilateral
relationship between the UK and France, the UK's intention to
reset its relationship with the EU and wider Europe, as well as
international and global issues. 80 years on from the D-Day
landings and the Liberation of France the leaders remembered the
immense common sacrifices that both countries have made to defend
their shared values and to protect their societies. And 30 years
on from the opening of the Channel Tunnel, they recalled what the
UK and France can build together when they do not constrain their
ambitions, allowing their economies to flourish and their people
to connect.
As fellow members of the G7, G20, NATO and permanent members of
the UN Security Council, the UK and France will continue to work
together to provide global leadership in an era of renewed
geopolitical instability. They are committed to continuing to
invest in the European Political Community format to bring
together Europe's democracies and contribute to regional
stability and security through political dialogue and concrete
cooperation.
Looking to the future France and the UK will pursue their
cooperation across the full spectrum of the relationship, at both
a bilateral and at a global level. This will include through a
focus on sustainable economic growth, international development,
energy security and driving low carbon solutions to tackle the
climate and nature emergencies. They will embrace the
opportunities presented by supporting the clean energy
transition, reform of the international financial system and
responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
The UK and France reaffirm their deep commitment to Europe's
defence and security. This includes their steadfast support for
Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal war of aggression,
for as long as it takes, and for Ukraine's irreversible path to
NATO membership. Fourteen years on from the Lancaster House
Treaty, the UK and France share the ambition to reinvigorate
their defence cooperation to reflect the complex challenges of
the modern era and the range of threats from hostile state and
non-state actors to our shared values and interests.
The UK and France agree the need for an immediate ceasefire in
Gaza along with the release of all hostages, unfettered access to
humanitarian aid, the upholding of international law, and
progress towards establishing a Palestinian State living in peace
and security alongside a safe and secure Israel. They also agree
on the importance of maintaining stability and security in the
wider region.
The Prime Minister and President expressed their condolences for
the victims of the tragic events in the channel yesterday and
last week. They committed to strengthening their cooperation on
irregular migration and the fight against criminal gangs
responsible for this tragic loss of life through small boat
crossings. The Prime Minister presented the UK's new Border
Security Command and the vital role it will play in this
mission.
As a sign of the ever deeper cooperation between the UK and
France, the Prime Minister and President welcomed UK support for
the staging of the Olympics. They agreed to hold the next
bilateral summit in the UK in 2025.
