Starmer and Macron’s “Entente Cordiale” Revival: What’s at Stake?
As French President Emmanuel Macron embarks on his first state visit to the United Kingdom since Brexit, the spotlight falls on the prospect of renewing the famed “Entente Cordiale.” Hosted by PoliticsHome’s The Rundown, this special podcast episode brings together a panel of experts to dissect the significance of Britain’s efforts to rebuild ties with France under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new administration.
Why This Visit Matters
Since Brexit, diplomatic relations between London and Paris have weathered a series of tensions: disputes over fishing rights, disagreements during the Covid-19 crisis, and the fallout from the AUKUS defense pact that left France feeling sidelined. Now, with the shadow of global insecurity cast by the war in Ukraine and the growing unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy, both nations face a strategic imperative to cooperate more closely.
- Historical significance: This is the first state visit by a French president since Nicolas Sarkozy’s trip in 2008, underscoring how rare such high-level exchanges have become.
- Political optics: Starmer’s government is laying on full pomp and ceremony to demonstrate Britain’s willingness to cultivate strong partnerships despite the disruption of Brexit.
- Strategic necessity: Macron and Starmer both recognise that a close UK–France relationship is crucial for European security and economic stability.
Building Bridges or Playing Politics?
In the podcast’s opening segment, host Alain Tolhurst and PoliticsHome’s Matilda Martin welcome Sir Peter Westmacott, former UK ambassador to France, and Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake—chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on France. Westmacott highlights the rarity of this visit and describes the careful choreography designed to set a positive tone:
- State banquet at Buckingham Palace with key cultural performances.
- High-profile business roundtables promoting Franco–British trade.
- Youth mobility discussions, focusing on exchanges for students and emerging artists.
Yet beneath these ceremonial displays, questions emerge: Is this visit more about photo ops than concrete policy? What tangible outcomes can citizens expect beyond media soundbites?
Key Areas of Potential Cooperation
Macron and Starmer have identified several domains ripe for collaboration. The podcast experts zero in on three:
- Defence and security: Post-AUKUS, Anglo-French defense ties need a reboot. Joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and procurement cooperation could deepen mutual trust.
- Migration and border control: The leaders unveiled a “one in, one out” agreement to return small-boat migrants. While symbolic, the deal aims to reduce Channel crossings and demonstrate coordinated action.
- Youth and culture: Reviving school exchange programs, streamlining visa processes for artists, and mutual recognition of qualifications are on the table to foster grassroots ties.
Diverging Views on Migration
Ben Lake, representing Plaid Cymru, rails against simplistic political narratives blaming France for migrant crossings. He urges a balanced approach:
- Recognise efforts by both sides to intercept small boats before departure.
- Invest in stabilising countries of origin through targeted international aid.
- Maintain existing commitments to overseas development alongside border security.
His critique underscores the risk of “political point-scoring” at the expense of nuanced policy solutions.
Expert Spotlight: François-Joseph Schichan and Adam Plowright
Joining the conversation, François-Joseph Schichan—former French diplomat and current director at Flint Global—offers Paris’s perspective. He notes:
- Macron’s anglophilia: the president values close ties with the UK, despite Brexit fallout.
- Economic interdependence: UK–France trade volume remains in the hundreds of billions annually.
- Europe-first outlook: both leaders view a strong bilateral partnership as critical to EU cohesion.
Meanwhile, journalist Adam Plowright evaluates Macron’s public messaging. He points out that references to a “new era” of cooperation signal intent but must be matched by policy follow-through. “Words alone won’t restore trust,” he warns.
Beyond the Headlines: What to Watch Next
The podcast lays out several key milestones to monitor in the coming months:
- Finalisation of the migrant “one in, one out” framework and its implementation timeline.
- Announcements on joint defense procurement—particularly any joint submarine or fighter jet projects.
- Details on visa-waiver programs for students, artists, and researchers, slated for autumn negotiation.
- Funding commitments to cross-Channel infrastructure: railway links, climate adaptation projects, and youth exchange grants.
Success in these areas will determine whether the “Entente Cordiale” can be more than nostalgic rhetoric and evolve into a robust, future-facing alliance.
Why This Matters for the UK
For Starmer’s Labour government, cementing a productive partnership with France fulfills multiple domestic and international objectives:
- Economic boost: enhanced trade agreements could support UK exporters, especially in green technology and advanced manufacturing.
- Political capital: a successful state visit generates positive headlines and defuses Brexit-era tensions.
- Security reassurance: deeper military and intelligence cooperation sends a strong deterrent message in a volatile global environment.
Yet with domestic pressures—from healthcare strikes to economic challenges—the government must demonstrate that high-profile diplomacy yields clear benefits for British citizens.
The Rundown Podcast: A Must-Listen
This episode of The Rundown offers an in-depth look at UK–France relations at a crucial juncture. Whether you’re a policy wonk, a student of European affairs, or simply curious about the future of post-Brexit alliances, the discussion provides valuable context and expert insights.
Search for “PoliticsHome” on your preferred podcast platform to tune in and hear the full conversation with Sir Peter Westmacott, Ben Lake MP, François-Joseph Schichan, Adam Plowright, and hosts Alain Tolhurst and Matilda Martin.