△ British Prime Minister Stormont (left) and French President Macron (right)
On the 10th local time, the summit between the UK and France took place in London, UK. Following the meeting, British Prime Minister Stormont and French President Macron held a joint press conference.
Stormont stated that the primary task of this UK-France summit is to address the issue of illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants arriving in the UK via illegal vessels crossing the English Channel will be repatriated to France.
In response, Macron mentioned that since Brexit, the UK has not signed an immigration agreement with the EU, meaning there are no legal ways to repatriate illegal immigrants. He emphasized the need to address the root causes of frequent illegal immigration.
Stormont also mentioned that the declarations signed by the UK and France would for the first time allow coordination of nuclear forces between the two countries. He expressed his anticipation for a “major leap” in the partnership between the UK and France.
Macron highlighted the importance of defense and security cooperation, pointing out that the situation in Europe has changed, and the partnership between the UK and France “must accordingly change.”
On the 8th local time, French President Macron began a three-day state visit to the UK. During his visit, Macron emphasized that as the only two nuclear-armed countries in Europe, the UK and France should jointly and comprehensively take on the responsibility of maintaining European security. In March this year, Macron had indicated that he would engage in strategic discussions on providing Europe with a “nuclear umbrella.” (CCTV Reporter: Yang Jingjing)