Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed how to “scale up” efforts to tackle illegal migration and bring the UK closer to Europe during Macron’s first visit to Downing Street since Burnham became prime minister in July.
In an official readout of their meeting, No 10 said the leaders also discussed plans to increase production of long-range missiles in Ukraine. Burnham and Macron said they had made progress on reducing small boat crossings in the English Channel, but that additional action was needed.
Ukraine, Missile Production And Defence Industry Co-operation
No 10 said the talks covered military co-operation connected to the conflict in Ukraine, including steps to establish local assembly lines there for the Scalp long-range missile.
The Scalp missile is the French version of the UK’s Storm Shadow cruise missile, according to No 10.
Bayeux Tapestry Visit And First Foreign Engagement
Macron’s visit was also used to mark the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum. He met King Charles at the museum on Wednesday before the medieval textile goes on public display next week.
Burnham said it was “so fitting” that Macron was his first overseas visitor since taking office, describing him as “our nearest neighbour and close friend Emmanuel”. He added that the exchange showed what co-operation could achieve, citing Ukraine, small boats and strengthening the UK-EU relationship.
Macron said the relationship with the UK was “very strong” and that he was in Britain with “willingness” and a “commitment to get closer”.
Small Boats, Police Surge And Procurement Concerns
In bilateral talks on Thursday, No 10 said the two leaders agreed to go further than current measures to cut Channel crossings. The readout said they also discussed the UK’s plan to move closer to Europe.
Burnham raised concerns about the effect that the “Made in Europe” procurement approach being developed in Brussels could have on British sectors. The plan is intended to protect EU industries, No 10 said.
Downing Street also described renewed activity to tackle larger dinghies. It said 45 extra police officers would be deployed to French beaches as part of a “surge team” to deal with boats carrying more people.
Home Office Minister Anna Turley said earlier on Tuesday that the officers formed part of a wider operation involving more than 1,000 staff at northern French beaches. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said videos in recent weeks showed officers going to boats in the water, “slashing them” and pushing people back, while facing stones and bricks.
Burnham also posted updated figures on small boat returns and asylum hotel numbers on X, saying smuggling gangs were a “shared European challenge”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed European collaboration but said it had not stopped the crossings. She told the BBC that the boats were still arriving, and added that the UK had spent hundreds of millions, possibly billions, paying France to man the borders.
Middle East De-Escalation And West Bank Settlement Plans
The leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the need to ensure de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Burnham raised Israeli plans to open up tenders for settlement homes in a strategically important area of the occupied West Bank known as E1. He said the development was “unacceptable” and would undermine the prospect of a two-state solution.
No 10 said the E1 area would, in effect, divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem. It said settlements in the area have been condemned internationally and are illegal under international law.
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4 September 2026
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