Burnham and Macron hold talks on Channel crossings and UK-EU ties

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron held their first official talks at Downing Street on September 3, 2026, focusing on small boat crossings in the English Channel, the conflict in Ukraine, and strengthening the UK-EU relationship. The meeting followed a joint appearance with King Charles III at the British Museum the previous evening to preview the landmark exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry, a loan from France that both leaders framed as a symbol of renewed cooperation. Burnham, who became Prime Minister in July, welcomed Macron as his first international guest at No. 10, calling the French president "our nearest neighbour and close friend." He highlighted the collaborative efforts on multiple fronts, stating, "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." Macron responded that the relationship was "very strong" and expressed a commitment to "get closer and closer." A central topic was the evolving challenge of Channel crossings.