Andy Burnham praises UK-EU ties in meeting with Emmanuel Macron

Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, commended the UK-EU relationship during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders, accompanied by their spouses, met outside 10 Downing Street on Thursday morning to discuss shared issues, including the influx of unauthorized small boats crossing the English Channel. These vessels, some as long as 15 meters, have been carrying up to 230 migrants at a time, a trend that has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the UK government's efforts to combat illegal immigration.

Burnham emphasized the significance of Macron's visit, describing the French President as "our nearest neighbour and close friend" and highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing various challenges, such as small boat crossings and the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting also touched upon defence and EU cooperation.

The illegal small boat crossings, a major concern since 2020, saw a 43% decrease in 2026 compared to the previous year, with a total of 16,513 people crossing from France. Nearly all arrivals claim asylum, and these vessels have become the primary method for people to enter the UK illegally. The average boat carried 68 migrants, a significant increase from previous years.

The UK government has vowed to "smash the gangs" behind these crossings, and the pair discussed this issue during their bilateral talks. The most pressing challenge, however, remains the influx of "mega dinghies," which originated from a surge in August 2025 when a record 230 migrants were detected on a 15-meter vessel.

The meeting also addressed the Bayeux Tapestry's loan to the British Museum and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Burnham and Macron discussed their respective countries' approaches to these complex issues. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has called for increased financial support for French authorities to prevent further small boat arrivals, with the UK promising to allocate 3% of its GDP to defence.