• Macron and Starmer meet to address the ongoing migrant crisis in the English Channel.
• The proposed "one in, one out" migrant deal faces challenges and opposition from France.
• Macron emphasizes shared responsibility for managing irregular migration with humanity and solidarity.
• The visit includes discussions on wider cooperation in defense and security issues.
• Starmer seeks a concrete agreement to counter rising populism in the UK.

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are engaged in critical discussions at Downing Street amid a continuing migrant crisis in the English Channel. The meetings arise as both leaders face pressure to handle the increasing number of migrants crossing in small boats from France to the UK. Macron's three-day state visit marks the first state visit by an EU head of state since Brexit, underscoring the significance of their discussions about shared responsibilities in addressing irregular migration. Macron stated, “France and the UK have a shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness,” stressing the burden this issue places on both nations, according to aa, Al Jazeera, and Le Monde.

During their meeting, Starmer proposed a "one in, one out" plan, aiming to return migrants who arrive in small boats to France, while accepting an equivalent number of asylum seekers from Europe. However, this proposal faces considerable opposition from the French side, as Macron has pointed out the necessity for a broader agreement involving multiple EU nations. Observers note the complexity due to legal stipulations under EU law, which complicate the transfer of migrants, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Starmer’s push for new measures comes at a politically sensitive time, as the increasing flow of migrants via the English Channel has been leveraged by the far-right Reform UK party, impacting Starmer's standing in the polls since he took office a year ago. The British Prime Minister stressed the UK’s commitment to deter undocumented immigration, affirming that funding provided to France will prioritize effective results, remarks that reflect frustrations over existing measures, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

As part of the visit's diplomatic engagements, Macron discussed broader issues such as defense and security cooperation with Starmer, which were also vital elements of the state visit. Both leaders recognized the importance of strong ties in combating shared threats and have agreed on collaborative measures concerning arms development, including ordering more Storm Shadow cruise missiles, according to aa and Reuters.