Europe: Starmer. Macron Hold Talks at Chequers

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JAN 10

Above: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) speaks with France's Pres. Emmanuel Macron during a bilateral meeting at the Chequers, in Aylesbury, England, on Jan. 9, 2025. Image copyright: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Contributor via Getty Imagesstory last updated JAN 10

The Facts

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted French Pres. Emmanuel Macron at Chequers on Thursday, marking the first visit of a French president to the country retreat in a decade.
According to official statements, the leaders discussed issues including Ukraine support, artificial intelligence (AI), economic growth, and illegal migration across the English Channel.
Channel crossings have increased by 25% in 2024, with 36.8K people making the journey to the UK compared to 29.4K in 2023. Starmer recently became the first UK prime minister to attend Armistice Day in France since 1944.

The Spin

Narrative A

The relationship between the UK and France, embodied by Starmer and Macron, offers a vital opportunity to tackle global challenges together. United by history, shared values, and enduring cultural ties, the two nations are pivotal in fostering security, fairness, and prosperity. Renewed cooperation on defense, migration, climate change, and economic growth strengthens their alliance, ensuring a brighter, more stable future for Europe and the world.

GOV.UK Le Monde

Narrative B

Starmer and Macron’s supposed alliance, though presented as a beacon of cooperation, is but a desperate pair of embattled leaders clinging to each other for political survival. With both facing mounting domestic challenges and seemingly incapable of dealing with the incoming Trump administration, it is difficult to see their partnership as anything other than a superficial attempt to project unity in the face of uncertainty and declining global influence.

Express.co.uk Daily Mail