UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen UK-EU ties, focusing on cross-Channel migration and security cooperation, as both nations boost police efforts against “mega dinghies” carrying migrants.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron underscored their commitment to closer bilateral ties during a high-profile meeting in London, with Burnham emphasizing collaboration on migration, security, and economic relations. The talks, held days after Macron’s visit to the British Museum to view the Bayeux Tapestry, marked the first formal encounter between the two leaders since Burnham took office in July. Macron met King Charles at the museum on Wednesday, ahead of the medieval tapestry’s public display next week.
A Focus on Migration and Security
Macron hailed the UK-France relationship as “very strong,” stating, For me it is extremely important, and I’m here with willingness and a commitment to get closer.
Burnham echoed this sentiment, noting, It shows what collaboration can achieve, just as we are also showing on Ukraine, on small boats, and also on strengthening the UK-EU relationship.
Andy Burnham praises UK-EU ties in meeting with Emmanuel
The discussion centered on the small boats crisis,
with Macron and Burnham agreeing that cross-Channel migration remains a shared challenge. The UK reported a seven-year low in small boat arrivals over the summer, but smugglers have shifted to larger vessels, known as “mega dinghies,” which carry more migrants in fewer trips. A 15-meter vessel in August transported 230 migrants, prompting urgent action.
France Boosts Police Presence to Tackle ‘Mega Dinghies’
As part of a coordinated effort, the UK and France are deploying additional police resources to disrupt illegal crossings. Downing Street announced a surge of 45 officers to French coastal areas, tripling existing staffing levels, while a 75-strong unit in northern France has begun operations. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, We are boosting officer numbers to record highs to crack down on small boat launches and the gangs behind them.
The measures include expanding a specialized French intelligence and judicial team from 18 to 30 officers, with the total number of cross-Channel enforcement personnel reaching nearly 1,050. Burnham acknowledged the need for vigilance, saying, Smuggling gangs are constantly adapting their tactics, and the UK and France need to respond quickly and stay one step ahead of the criminals facilitating the dangerous crossings.
French police deployed to disrupt 'mega dinghies' as Burnham
Broader Implications for UK-EU Relations
The meeting also addressed broader UK-EU cooperation, including the impact of the Ukraine and Iran conflicts on Europe’s security and economy. Burnham reiterated his commitment to a “reset” of UK-EU relations, stating, I do want a closer relationship – I will build on the work of my predecessor.
This aligns with the UK’s push for stronger economic links with Europe under the new government.
During Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Burnham reiterated that Britain’s decade of low growth has been partly a result of Brexit.
He added, I do want a closer relationship – I will build on the work of my predecessor,
ahead of a UK-EU summit later in the year. Macron is the first European leader to visit the UK since Burnham took office.
The leaders also discussed defense and EU co-operation, with Burnham noting the need for greater co-operation with Europe amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. The immediate focus remains on curbing illegal crossings, but the long-term implications for UK-EU relations remain unclear. A UK-EU summit later in the year could provide further clarity on the trajectory of post-Brexit ties.
As Burnham and Macron seek to balance security concerns with economic and political partnerships, the coming months will test the durability of their collaboration. For now, the leaders have signaled a shared urgency — but the path forward remains defined by the challenges of migration, security, and the evolving dynamics of UK-EU relations.
