Macron state visit live: French president arrives for crunch migration talks with Starmer over ‘one in one out’ deal

Kemi Badenoch had a “warm” meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit.

The Conservative Party leader met with Mr Macron last night.

They discussed cross-border cooperation and working more closely with allies, particularly on Ukraine, as well as the challenges Western countries face when it comes to mass migration and aging populations, Mrs Badenoch’s spokesman said.

The meeting was “very warm” and lasted around half an hour.

Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel also attended.

The partnership between the UK and France is “a game changer” for Europe and beyond, Emmanuel Macron has said during a visit to Downing Street.

Inside Number 10, the French President said he believed the state visit and upcoming Franco-British summit on Thursday played a “unique role in these challenging times”, particularly for action regarding Ukraine.

He said the coalition will help “build stronger links and make big moves forward on defence, security, technology, economy” as well as “more exchange on culture, education, research and when we look at climate change, AI, but as well as challenging times from Ukraine to Middle East.”

“The partnership and the friendship between UK and France is absolutely, I would say, a game changer for not just Europe, but a lot of these issues,” the president added.

Mr Macron thanked Sir Keir Starmer and the King for their hospitality so far during his three-day state visit.

Emmanuel Macron has arrived at No 10 for crunch talks, as Sir Keir Starmer’s “one in, one out” migration deal hangs in the balance.

On the second day of his state visit to the UK, the French president arrived at Downing Street alongside his wife, Brigitte.

They were greeted warmly by Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer.

Macron will sit down with Sir Keir Starmer as the pair discuss striking migration crossing deal.

The UK is pushing for a “one in, one out” deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link.

Their spouses, Mrs Macron and Lady Victoria Starmer, will have tea and a tour of Downing Street together, followed by all four having lunch.

A red carpet was rolled out in front of No 10 as the prime minister prepares to host the French president for lunch.

Emmanuel Macron is expected to arrive in the next few minutes.

Keir Starmer wants a radical new deal with French authorities, as data shows small boats migration is at highest-ever levels – even with 4 in 10 migrants prevented from crossing the Channel.

The French president is due to arrive at Downing Street in the next 15 minutes or so.

Emmanuel Macron will sit down with Sir Keir Starmer as the pair discuss striking migration crossing deal.

The UK is pushing for a “one in, one out” deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link.

It’s day two of the French president’s state visit to the UK.

In the morning, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron paid a private visit to St George’s Chapel in Windsor – where they are being hosted by the King – to lay flowers on the Tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.

They were then pictured being shown around the Windsor Castle Gardens by the King and Queen.

Macron then visited Imperial College London, to view an AI and Emerging Technology Innovators Exhibition and meet academics and researchers.

At around 1:15pm Macron and Sir Keir Starmer will meet at No 10 for crunch talks on a migration deal.

Their spouses, Mrs Macron and Lady Victoria Starmer, will have tea and a tour of Downing Street together, followed by all four having lunch.

Alongside Downing Street talks, Sir Keir and Mr Macron are also expected to attend a reception with UK and French businesses and an event at the British Museum on Wednesday.