• French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-day state visit to the UK, the first by a European leader since Brexit.
• The visit focuses on enhancing cooperation on migration issues and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• Macron calls for a renewed alliance between France and the UK to strengthen European safety and reduce dependence on external powers.
• The royal welcome featured a state banquet and discussions on various bilateral issues, including defense and energy investments.
• Political talks aim to address increasing asylum seeker crossings in the English Channel and potential joint military support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron commenced a three-day state visit to the UK on July 8, marking the first time a European leader has visited since Brexit. The visit symbolizes a concerted effort by both countries to rejuvenate their diplomatic relations post-Brexit, which had been strained. Macron emphasized the importance of this occasion, stating, “The only way to overcome the challenges we have will be to go together hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder,” highlighting the necessity for collaboration on migration, defense, and cultural ties. This renewed focus comes amid a broader reset of relations following the UK's departure from the European Union, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and HuffPost.

The ceremonial part of Macron’s visit was characterized by royal pageantry, including a warm greeting by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, where they hosted a state banquet. The event was attended by notable figures, including British celebrities and diplomats, an embodiment of Franco-British ties that have persisted despite political tensions. King Charles addressed the threats both countries face, stating, "As friends and as allies, we face them together," conveying a unified front against common challenges, according to Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and HuffPost.

During his address to both houses of the UK Parliament, Macron underscored the need for a collective European response to ongoing geopolitical threats, stating, “France and the UK will save Europe by our example and our solidarity.” He called for strengthened economic and defense cooperation between the nations, asserting that their alliance is crucial against rising global challenges. He specifically noted the shared responsibility to address irregular migration humanitarianly, as they face increasing flows of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel, according to South China Morning Post and HuffPost.

Migration policies are expected to take a central role in discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly in light of recent record numbers of asylum seekers arriving in the UK. Both leaders are anticipated to explore a "one-in, one-out" policy, which would involve reciprocal deportation agreements to combat human trafficking and smuggling across the Channel. The urgency of this matter is amplified by political pressures surrounding domestic asylum policies as Starmer seeks an effective crackdown on smuggling networks, according to Reuters, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

Moreover, the conversations will extend to other pressing international situations, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both Macron and Starmer aim to fortify a coalition of European nations to support Ukraine through military means, despite some skepticism regarding international commitment from the US. Macron emphasized that “Europeans will never abandon Ukraine,” reaffirming the enduring partnership and shared commitment to European security, according to South China Morning Post and HuffPost.