French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UK marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, with Macron being the first EU leader to meet with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The two leaders inaugurated the opening of the Bayeux exhibit at the British Museum, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, made a rare trip across the English Channel this summer.
Macron and Burnham were seen strolling through the museum, admiring the exhibit alongside King Charles. The exhibit will be open to the public on September 10.
The visit is more than a cultural excursion, as the leaders will hold their first talks since former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer left his post in July.
This meeting is likely to set the tone for new future bilateral ties, which could impact the UK-EU relationship as a whole. Macron has a personal stake in securing support from trusted and historic allies, as he only has eight months left in his presidency.
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Macron’s political legacy is at stake, according to Gilbert Casasus, a prominent political scientist. They believe this contributes to his legacy.
Burnham has been pushing to prioritize home affairs. It’s unclear how this will translate onto the international stage, and Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, believes that Burnham may deprioritize the relationship with the EU.
Menon described the simmering tensions instilled by Brexit, with France being seen as “difficult” for having a “closed” and “protectionist” view of the bloc. The pair of nations will likely gravitate toward subjects they agree upon, such as Ukraine.
Other sticking points, like agriculture deals and negotiations over a youth mobility scheme between the UK and EU, will also come up. However, these may be brushed over as they will be “the more difficult part of their conversation.”
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Migration will almost certainly be on the table, with the “one in, one out” pilot program launched in August 2025. The program aims to discourage migrants from the dangerous crossing of the English Channel.
Meghan Benton, director of the Global Program at the Migration Policy Institute, said that there are still kinks to be ironed out. The scheme “hasn’t been very well communicated to migrants,” leading to confusion when people arrive in the UK and are told that they’ll be deported back to France.
The visit marks a new era in UK-France relations, with both leaders looking to chart a new course.
