French President Emmanuel Macron addresses Parliament during UK state visit

Enduring Franco-British Alliance

• 💡 The UK and France share a long and deep history spanning over 900 years, with ties embedded in language and parliamentary traditions.
• 🤝 The Entente Cordiale, established 120 years ago, laid the foundation for a broad and deep partnership, including cooperation in European and global security.
• ⚔️ Both nations fought side-by-side in both World Wars, with the UK providing asylum to the Free French forces and playing a crucial role in the liberation of France.
• 📜 French President Macron highlighted the UK Parliament as a birthplace of modern democracy and democratic representation, inspiring nations like France.

Addressing Global Security Threats

• 🇺🇳 As permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France are committed to multilateralism and defending the international order established post-WWII.
• 🛡️ Both countries strongly support Ukraine against Russian aggression, forming a "coalition of the willing" to ensure its future security and resist imperial impulses.
• 🕊️ There is a joint call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace and security in the Middle East.
• ☢️ The alliance also emphasizes stringent negotiation and international monitoring of Iran's nuclear program to preserve global non-proliferation.

Strengthening Defense & Economic Ties

• 🚀 The Lancaster House treaties (2010) have structured defense cooperation, which is now set to scale up dramatically, with both nations committing to increased military spending and a stronger European pillar in NATO.
• 💡 Cooperation extends to climate and biodiversity, aiming for carbon neutrality, phasing out fossil fuels, and protecting oceans, with joint efforts for COP 30 and the BBNG treaty.
• 📈 Despite Brexit, trade between the UK and France has surpassed pre-Brexit levels, with significant strategic investments planned in energy and space.
• ⚠️ Macron stressed the need to derisk European economies from over-dependencies on the US and China, investing in key technologies like AI, quantum, and biotech to ensure strategic independence.

Fostering Societal & Cultural Exchange

• 🛂 Both nations share a responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity and firmness, seeking effective solutions at bilateral and European levels.
• 🌐 The alliance aims to defend democratic models against foreign interference, misinformation, and the negative impacts of social media, advocating for new regulations to protect children and democratic debate.
• 🎨 To counter a decrease in movement post-Brexit, efforts will be made to facilitate exchanges of students, researchers, and artists, reinforcing mutual understanding.
• 🏛️ A historic Bayeux Tapestry loan to the UK, alongside other cultural exchanges, symbolizes the renewed era of cooperation and mutual movement between the two countries.