Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Condemnation of Russian Aggression in Ukraine Macron visit in the UK

Calls for Recognition of Palestine and Condemnation of Russian Aggression in Ukraine Macron visit in the UK

[London | 9 July 2025]

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in the United Kingdom for a three-day state visit, marking the first official visit by a European Union head of state since Brexit. At the outset of his trip, Macron called on the British government to support the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state and to maintain strong defensive support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

In a rare address to both chambers of the British Parliament, Macron declared, “The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can bring real change.”

He added, “We must face the challenges of our time—such as defense, immigration, climate change, and trade—together, so that we may free ourselves from excessive dependencies on the United States and China.”

Speaking about the situation in the Middle East, Macron said, “Gaza lies in ruins, and the West Bank is under daily assault. At this moment, the prospects for the creation of a Palestinian state are more threatened than ever. The two-state solution and the recognition of the State of Palestine are the only paths toward peace and stability in the region.”

On Ukraine, Macron reiterated, “Europe will never abandon Ukraine.”

Royal Hospitality and Declaration of 'Entente Amicale'

On Tuesday evening, King Charles III hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle in honor of President Macron and his wife. The 160 guests included politicians, diplomats, and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John.

King Charles stated, “This evening is not just a celebration of the past ‘Entente Cordiale’—but the beginning of a new chapter: an ‘Entente Amicale,’ a friendship for the future.”

Nuclear Investment and Cultural Exchange

As part of the state visit, France’s nuclear energy company EDF announced a £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion) investment in a nuclear power project in eastern England. Additionally, France will lend the historic 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry to the UK for public display—the first time in over 900 years—while the British Museum will send a collection of Anglo-Saxon and Viking artifacts to France in return.

Macron–Starmer Talks and Political Challenges

On Wednesday, President Macron is scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their talks will focus on immigration, joint defense cooperation, and trade and investment.

Starmer is expected to push for a bilateral migrant swap agreement in which France would accept the return of irregular asylum seekers from the UK in exchange for Britain granting entry to legitimate asylum claimants. However, France has not yet agreed to such a deal.

Joint Conference on Ukraine

On Thursday, Macron and Starmer will participate in a virtual summit on Ukraine, where they will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.