French president warns against ‘criminal networks’ as Starmer seeks migrant returns deal

Emmanuel Macron has declared the UK and France share a “responsibility” to tackle illegal migration as he addressed the British Parliament in a momentous state visit aimed at resetting cross-Channel ties.

Standing before MPs and Lords inside the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday, the French president called the small boats crisis “a burden for both our countries” and demanded closer cooperation ahead of a decisive bilateral summit with Sir Keir Starmer this Thursday.

Macron, the first European leader to make a state visit to Britain since Brexit, delivered a speech laced with urgency and symbolism.

“While the hope of a better life is legitimate,” he said, “we cannot allow the rules of our nations to be flouted. We cannot let criminal networks cynically exploit these hopes with no regard for human life.”

His words struck a chord just days before the UK and France are expected to finalise a “one in, one out” migrant returns deal, allowing Britain to send back Channel crossers in exchange for accepting recognised asylum seekers from France.

The summit, described as pivotal by diplomats, is set to deliver the “best-ever cooperation” between London and Paris on irregular migration, Macron claimed.

Over 20,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel into Britain in the first half of 2025—a staggering 50% rise compared to the same period last year. The surge has heaped pressure on Starmer’s new government, which is desperate to show results on border control.

British officials confirmed in April that a pilot deportation programme was under discussion, with undocumented arrivals facing return to France, while Britain would accept vetted asylum seekers with familial or legal ties to the UK.

“Our armed forces will cooperate even more closely,” said King Charles III later at the State Banquet in Windsor Castle, seated beside President Macron. “Together we lead a coalition for liberty and freedom, defending our shared values.”

Macron also delivered a veiled message on Brexit, warning Britain not to isolate itself from the European project.

“The UK cannot stay on the sidelines,” Macron told Westminster. “Though not in the EU, your decisions still shape our continent. Sovereignty matters—but so does unity.”

He challenged both nations to cut their reliance on American and Chinese economies, urging a new era of European independence in defence, tech, and diplomacy.

The French president’s visit arrives at a politically delicate moment. While Macron remains under pressure from both the far-right and left at home, Starmer is navigating a post-Brexit Britain still scarred by years of instability.

Macron’s comments have also stirred debate across Europe. Critics argue that migrant swaps and joint patrols barely scratch the surface of a humanitarian emergency, while supporters see them as practical first steps in restoring order.

Despite the pomp of the carriage procession, red carpets, and royal banquets, the spotlight remains fixed on Thursday’s summit—where behind closed doors, tough negotiations on borders, returns, and enforcement will decide the fate of the deal.

For now, both nations have signalled intent.

“We will fix today what burdens our nations,” Macron promised.
But after years of tension, missed targets, and half-measures, will action finally match the rhetoric?

THE GUARDIAN

The UK has endorsed a controversial new tactic by French police—slashing inflatable boats used by people smugglers—to stop Channel crossings. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the “unpleasant” scenes showed action Britain fully supports, as French officers were filmed puncturing dinghies near Boulogne.

The move comes ahead of Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to London, where he and Keir Starmer are expected to unveil joint plans for more aggressive French interventions. France will reportedly allow police to disable boats in shallow waters up to 300 metres from shore, requiring a shift in legal protocol.

While a broader “one in, one out” asylum returns deal remains uncertain, ministers hope the visible clampdown will deter dangerous crossings—already up 48% this year.

Pressed about the UK’s funding for France’s border enforcement, Alexander said spending decisions would continue to reflect the “national interest.” Starmer remains under pressure as small boat arrivals exceed 20,000 in just six months.

THE TELEGRAPH

French President Emmanuel Macron has laid the blame for the Channel migrant crisis squarely on Britain, demanding Keir Starmer tackle the UK’s “pull factors” before a long-awaited migrant returns deal can be sealed.

During a high-profile state visit, Macron outlined three key conditions for the proposed “one in, one out” pact: tighter control over illegal work, curbing benefits for asylum seekers, and expanding legal family reunification routes.

He warned the UK’s shadow labour market and lack of ID controls make it an “El Dorado” for migrants, urging Starmer to act swiftly or risk losing French cooperation. More than 20,600 Channel crossings have occurred in 2025 so far—surging pressure on No 10.

While Starmer seeks to finalise the deal at Thursday’s Anglo-French summit, EU allies remain wary. Macron insists Britain must address “root causes” at home before France resumes taking back asylum seekers.