Macron urges UK and France to reduce reliance on U.S. and China in rare Westminster address

Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Britain and France to “de-risk” their economies from U.S. and Chinese influence during a historic address to the UK parliament on Tuesday, signalling a renewed push for closer European cooperation.

Macron’s speech, delivered to both houses of parliament during a state visit, marked the first such address by a European leader since Brexit and highlighted a symbolic warming of ties under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new Labour government.

“The only way to overcome the challenges of our time will be to go together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder,” Macron told lawmakers, urging both nations to strengthen cooperation on defence, immigration, climate and technology.

He warned of the “excessive dependencies” on the United States and China, calling for the UK and France to work together to protect European sovereignty and resilience. “We need to de-risk our economies and our societies from this dual dependency,” he said.

The state visit began with a ceremonial welcome by King Charles III, who was joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Catherine in Windsor. Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, showed signs of fatigue but continued with his engagements. A palace source said a burst blood vessel in his eye was unrelated to his condition.

Macron also advocated for expanded mobility for students, researchers and artists, and joint efforts on AI development and online child protection.

The three-day visit included several cultural and economic exchanges, notably the announcement of a £1.1 billion investment by French utility EDF in a UK nuclear power station, and plans to lend the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain for the first time in over 900 years.

In parallel, the UK and France are holding talks on a proposed asylum returns deal aimed at deterring cross-Channel people-smuggling. Britain has proposed a one-for-one returns mechanism, though France has so far resisted bilateral solutions, preferring EU-wide coordination.

A record number of asylum seekers have arrived in the UK from France in the first half of 2025, increasing pressure on the Starmer government, which trails Reform UK in recent polling.

Despite lingering differences, both governments have cooperated closely on Ukraine, with joint plans for a military force to support Kyiv if a ceasefire with Russia is reached.

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