French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the United Kingdom to join France in formally recognizing the state of Palestine and to continue supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia, during a landmark state visit to Britain.
This is the first visit by a European leader since Brexit.
Speaking before both houses of the British Parliament on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Macron highlighted the rekindling of close ties between France and the UK.
He emphasized the need for deeper cooperation in tackling global challenges and called on the two nations to reduce their dependence on both the United States and China.
His visit comes at the invitation of King Charles III and symbolizes a significant thaw in relations following years of diplomatic strain caused by the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Macron was welcomed with full ceremonial honors, including a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, accompanied by the British royal family.
The visit included high-profile appearances with Prince William and Princess Catherine and will span three days.
In his address to Parliament, Macron expressed the urgency of rebuilding European unity.
He stressed the importance of collaboration in areas such as defense, immigration, climate change, and trade.
“France and the United Kingdom must once again prove that our alliance has the power to shape the world,” Macron said, speaking in English.
“We must meet today’s challenges together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.”
The French president reiterated unwavering European support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing war with Russia, asserting that Europe would not abandon Kyiv.
Simultaneously, he called for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and advocated for renewed momentum toward a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian and political conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, Macron declared that recognizing Palestinian statehood was essential for long-term peace.
“The idea of a Palestinian state has never been under greater threat,” he said.
“A two-state solution, and formal recognition of Palestine, is the only viable path to peace and regional stability.”
Macron warned of the geopolitical risks posed by overreliance on both China and the United States.
He urged the UK and France to “de-risk” their economies and societies from these dependencies.
He also advocated for closer cooperation on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as well as better protection for children online.
The visit is seen as a strategic opportunity for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new Labour government to reset relations with Europe and move past the Brexit-era animosities.
Macron’s visit offers a chance to rebuild trust and strengthen European solidarity.
On Tuesday evening, King Charles hosted a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle in honor of the Macrons.
In his speech, the monarch called for a deeper friendship between the two countries, upgrading the historical “entente cordiale” to what he described as an “entente amicale,” or friendly understanding.
“Let this be a toast to France and to our renewed alliance, rooted in history, but oriented toward a shared future,” the King said.
During the visit, the UK and France announced a major investment from French energy giant EDF, which will contribute £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion) to a nuclear power project in eastern England.
Additionally, cultural diplomacy was on display, with France agreeing to loan the historic Bayeux Tapestry to the UK for the first time in over 900 years, in exchange for Anglo-Saxon and Viking artifacts from British museums.
On Wednesday, Macron is scheduled to hold in-depth talks with Prime Minister Starmer, with topics including defense, investment, and tackling illegal migration.
Despite disagreements on post-Brexit border control, the two nations have been cooperating on building a joint military unit that could aid Ukraine in case of a ceasefire.
The leaders will also participate in a joint call on Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss expanding support for Ukraine and ramping up pressure on Russia.
One point of contention remains a proposed asylum agreement.
The UK wants to implement a system where it sends one migrant to France in exchange for another with a valid claim to asylum.
France has been reluctant, insisting that any such deal must involve broader EU coordination.
With record numbers of migrants crossing the Channel this year and political pressure mounting, Starmer hopes improved ties with Macron could unlock a new approach.
