UK politics live: Macron visits No 10 as Starmer tries to seal ‘one in, one out’ small boats crisis deal

Key Points

• Starmer and Macron to hold talks on migrant channel crossings
• What are the Macrons up to today?
• Explained: What can we expect from this week’s state visit by Emmanuel Macron?
• King speaks of co-operation between UK and France in face of 'profound challenges'
• Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet

Government refuses to give details on France migrant deal

Government minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said he would not give a "running commentary" on negotiations with the French on a one in, one out deal for cross-Channel migrants.

But he insisted joint working with the French was already making a difference, despite record numbers making the trip in small boats so far in 2025.

The Cabinet Office minister told Times Radio: "I'm not going to give a running commentary on discussions on specific proposals.

"But with regard to the work that is going on with France to tackle the small boat crossings in the English Channel, we can already see that bearing fruit."

He acknowledged the high number of crossings in the first half of the year but added: "Our work with the French authorities has prevented 12,000 people from crossing the Channel. We've seized 600 small boats.

"Now, I'm not saying for a moment this isn't a difficult problem to solve. There is no silver bullet for it, but that work with the French, that joint work with the French, is hugely important, and it will only deepen. "

What is coming up today?

This morning, Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron will hold talks at No 10 as the UK pushes for France to do more to stop migrant crossings.

Mr and Mrs Macron will also privately visit St George's Chapel, Windsor, to lay flowers on the Tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.

The King will then show President Macron the Windsor Castle Gardens before they are joined by the Queen and Mrs Macron.

In the afternoon, the Macrons will join the PM and Lady Starmer for lunch at 10 Downing Street.

By the evening, the Macrons, joined by The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, will attend a banquet at Guildhall, given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation.

Pomp, pageantry and politesse greet Macron in display of British royals' soft power

The French Tricolor and Britain's Union flag hang from the standards near Windsor Castle. The carriages are primed, the tiaras polished.

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, arrived in Britain on Tuesday at the start of a state visit as the two countries highlight their long friendship with conspicuous displays of military pomp, golden carriages and royal toasts.

The backdrop for day one is Windsor Castle, a royal fortress for over 900 years that remains a working palace today.

King Charles III makes a speeh as he attends the State Banquet at Windsor Castle on8 July 2025 in Windsor, England (Getty Images)

Prince William and the Princess of Wales greeted the Macrons at RAF Northolt outside London.

King Charles III later formally welcomed the couple later at Windsor Castle, where they rode in a horse-drawn carriage and reviewed a military guard of honor. The first day ended with a state banquet at the castle.

Charles and Queen Camilla traveled to France in September 2023 in a visit that highlighted the historic ties between Britain and its closest European neighbor.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales and President of France Emmanuel Macron toast at the State Banquet for him and his wife Brigitte Macron, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, Britain, 8 July 2025 (Reuters)

That royal trip came after years of sometimes prickly relations strained by Britain's exit from the European Union and disagreements over the growing number of migrants crossing the English Channel on small boats.

President Macron's arrival in Britain marks the first state visit by a French head of state since President Nicolas Sarkozy traveled to London in 2008.

Watch: Macron makes Brexit joke in address to Parliament during UK state visit

The five women behind Brigitte Macron’s faultless French chic

Just why is it that we never see the French first lady, Brigitte Macron, commit a fashion faux pas?

How is it that this 72-year-old grandmother can, for example, pull off black leather trousers, really quite short dresses, or a swimming costume for a cover shoot?

With the Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK this week providing yet another welcome opportunity for scrutiny of Madame Macron’s impeccable wardrobe. With those impossibly toned, glossy bronzed legs, the power blow-dries and endless outfit wins she always seems to exemplify faultless French chic.

Fleur Britten writes:

Watch: Macron’s car speeds away from Windsor Castle as luggage goes flying from open boot

Editorial: A small-boats deal with France would be a game-changer for Starmer

As The Independent has reported, the deal is not yet “over the line”. The hope on Sir Keir Starmer’s side is that the pomp and sense of occasion of a state visit will put pressure on Emmanuel Macron, the French president, to sign the historic agreement for a “one in, one out” exchange to tackle the small boats crisis.

That has been the British government’s hope on previous occasions, notably when Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir’s predecessor, visited Paris two years ago. Each time a deal has seemed close, but each time Mr Macron has shied away.

The outline of the potential deal is known, and has not been denied by either side. The idea is that France will allow Britain to return migrants who cross the Channel by small boat, and that Britain will take an equal number of people whose application for asylum in the UK has been accepted at processing centres in France.

In pictures: High profile guest list for state banquet

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer (3rd right) at the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

French president Emmanuel Macron speaking at the dinner (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Elton John and David Furnish at Windsor Castle (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

King seated next to Macron who was next to Kate

The King was seated between Emmanuel Macron and French culture minister Rachida Dati, while Kate – attending her first state banquet in nearly two years – was on the other side of the French president and also next to art historian Christophe Leribault, chairman of the Musee D’Orsay.

The Queen was on the other side of the table, between Brigitte Macron and French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu.

On the other side of first lady Brigitte was heir to the throne William.

Sir Mick Jagger, whose formal white place card read “Sir Michael Jagger”, was seated between Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Alice Rufo, director general for international relations and strategy of the French ministry for the armed forces.

Sir Elton John, who has severe vision issues after contracting an eye infection, was seated next to his husband, rather than apart which is usually the custom for couples at royal banquets.

On Sir Elton’s other side was the Duchess of Gloucester, while Sir Keir Starmer was next to footballer Mary Earps.

Also making an appearance was First Dates’ Fred Sirieix, as well as the French singer Mika, who was sat next to the Duchess of Edinburgh.

(centre left to right) The Princess of Wales, President of France Emmanuel Macron and King Charles at the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Charles calls on France and Britain to 'lead the way' in face of 'complex threats'

In his speech Charles described the UK’s closest continental neighbour as “one of our strongest allies” and said in the face of “complex threats” France and Britain “must help to lead the way”.

The King told the guests, who included the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Prime Minister and senior members of the Cabinet: “Monsieur le President, the summit that you and the Prime Minister will hold in London this week will deepen our alliance and broaden our partnership still further.

“Our armed forces will co-operate even more closely across the world, including to support Ukraine, as we join together in leading a Coalition of the Willing in defence of liberty and freedom from oppression; in other words, in defence of our shared values.”

He went on to say: “Our security services and police will go further still to protect us against the profound challenges of terrorism, organised crime, cyber attacks and of course irregular migration across the English Channel.

“And our businesses will innovate together, generating growth, trade and investment for our economies and across the world.”

King's speech sprinkled with lighter moments too

There were lighter moments during the King’s speech too, with Charles joking about the popular French cartoon character Asterix the Gaul’s incomprehension about Britons’ love of tea with a splash of milk, and how dinner guests had drunk “English sparkling wine made by a French Champagne house”.

And he described the “perfect combinations” of French and British – Monet’s paintings of London fog and Thierry Henry, a former French striker with London football club Arsenal, scoring at Highbury.

The French president even winked at the King when Charles mentioned the cultural ties between the UK and France and how a Frenchman, William the Conqueror, began building Windsor Castle more than 900 years ago and his son William has made Windsor his home.

There were lighter moments during the King’s speech too (PA)

Macron delivers speech in which he speaks about Bayeux Tapestry loan

Emmanuel Macron has delivered a speech mostly in French but in English he spoke about France’s loan of the Bayeux Tapestry which will go on display at the British Museum next year.

Speaking at the state banquet at Windsor Castle, he said: “For the first time in 900 years the Bayeux Tapestry will follow the same path as the warriors whose stories it tells and land on British soil.

“Either they were never made or they were lost – those final scenes of the tapestry are missing.

“I see that as (an) even more powerful symbol in the great mural of Franco-British history, the end has yet to be written.”

The Princess of Wales (left) and King Charles (right) at the state banquet for President of France Emmanuel Macron (centre) (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

King speaks of deepening co-operation between UK and France in face of 'profound challenges'

The King has spoken of the deepening co-operation between the UK and France that will protect against “profound challenges” such as terrorism, organised crime and “irregular migration” across the English Channel.

In a speech marking President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK, Charles highlighted a summit between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the French leader when commentators expect the issue of small boats to be top of the agenda.

The King also spoke of the growing environmental threat where the “very future of our planet hangs in the balance” and the UK and France have a “critical role to play”.

Camilla wears Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite

The Queen was dressed in an ivory silk and crepe embroidered evening gown by Fiona Clare, and a sapphire and diamond tiara, necklace, earrings and bracelet, all part of Queen Elizabeth II’s sapphire suite.

The Queen was also wearing the Legion d’Honneur French sash, Garter Star and the King’s family order.

Queen Camilla arriving for the state banquet (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet

Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John topped the star-studded guest list for the French state banquet hosted by the King at Windsor Castle.

The Rolling Stones' front man was joined by his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, while Crocodile Rock singer Sir Elton was accompanied by his husband David Furnish for the opulent royal celebration.

Sir Elton, who is known for hosting his own annual white-tie and tiara charity ball, was among the 160 guests who gathered at the King's royal white-tie affair in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

Both musicians have homes in France and Sir Elton also has a home in nearby Old Windsor.

Sir Elton famously sang Candle In The Wind, rewritten as Goodbye England's Rose, at the funeral of the King's first wife Diana, Princess of Wales, and he has a close bond with the Duke of Sussex - Charles's youngest son with whom the King has a troubled relationship.

The state banquet for French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Celebrity guests seen making their way into vast St George’s Hall for state banquet

Celebrity guests seen making their way into the vast St George’s Hall for the state banquet at Windsor Castle included Rolling Stones’ frontman Sir Mick Jagger, dressed in smart white tie and morning suit, and his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, who wore a glittering silver gown.

Also among the 160 guests were Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish.

Others at the banquet were former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and First Dates’ Fred Sirieix.

Earps was seen shaking hands and laughing with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer before the start of the dinner as they stood and chatted.

Celebrity guests were seen making their way into the vast St George’s Hall for the state banquet at Windsor Castle (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

Kate and William pictured smiling together outside in gardens of Windsor

The Princess of Wales is wearing a dark red silk creponne gathered evening gown, with caped back detailing, designed by Sarah Burton for French fashion house Givenchy, and the Lover's Knot tiara to the French state banquet.

Kate was carrying a lily of the valley embroidered evening clutch and wearing the Rosette of Grand Officier l'ordre nationale du merite, the Royal Family Orders of Charles III and Elizabeth II, the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO sash and star.

William was dressed in white tie, with the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George, miniature medals and a series of chest orders.

The royal couple were pictured smiling together outside in the gardens of Windsor before the banquet in an image posted on Kensington Palace's social media.

Highlights from day one of Macron's state visit

Watch: Macron makes Brexit joke in address to Parliament during UK state visit

Royal family speaks of 'L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!'

The royal family has spoken of a “L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!”.

In a post on X, alongside a photograph of French chef Raymond Blanc preparing food for the state banquet, they said: “Chef @Raymond_Blanc OBE, an ambassador for the @KingsFdn, was invited to join the chefs at Windsor Castle to create the First Course and Dessert for this evening’s State Banquet menu.”

State banquet hosted in impressive St George's Hall which is largest room in castle

The impressive St George's Hall, where the dinner is being served, is the largest room in the castle at 55.5 metres long (180ft) and nine metres wide (29.5ft), and the 50 metre (164ft) table stretches its full length.

The castle's staff began constructing the mahogany table last Wednesday, and it now set with the elaborate silver gilt Grand Service.

The hall's gothic style ceiling with impressive oak beam roof is studded with the coats of arms of every single Knight of the Garter since the order was founded in 1348.

Its walls and ceiling were decimated in the Windsor Castle fire of 1992 and had to be painstakingly rebuilt.

Delicate seasonal flowers including roses, sweet peas and herbs in a colour scheme of pale pinks, purples and white decorated the table, handpicked from the gardens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, along with flowers and lavender from The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, all arranged in silver-gilt centrepieces taken from the Grand Service.

Following the state banquet, the King and Queen and the Macrons and guests will move to the Music Room for a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

French chef Raymond Blanc involved in creating menu in 'spirit of Entente Cordial'

The King has turned to his friend and King's Foundation ambassador, French chef Raymond Blanc, to put together the state banquet menu in culinary collaboration with the Royal Household, designing the first course and the dessert.

Buckingham Palace described the collaboration as being "in the spirit of the Entente Cordial".

Blanc was in the kitchens at Windsor on Tuesday evening making sure the dishes were served to perfection for President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte and the 160 guests including Charles, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The menu, which was written in French as is the custom for state banquets, begins with a selection of tender summer vegetables from the Gardens of Le Manoir with Sage, Raw Tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing.

The next course is Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, followed by Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly for dessert.

French champagne and special cocktail called L'entente to be served at state banquet

French champagne and a special gin-infused cocktail called L'entente will be served at the state banquet in honour of president of France.

In a tradition started by the King, the cocktail has been created specially for the occasion. It combines British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, garnished with dried French cornflowers and English roses.

The wine list was Domaine Evremond, Classic Cuvee, Edition I, NV; Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Etienne Sauzet, 2022; Chateau Haut-Brion; 1er Grand Cru Classe Pessac-Leognan, 1996; Louis Roederer, Carte Blanche, NV. The English sparkling wine will be used for the toast.

After dinner, guests will be served Taylor's 1977 Vintage Port and a 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac by Frapin & Co, selected to reflect the years of the President's and the King's births in 1977 and 1948.

Macron presses for recognition of Palestine as ‘only path to peace’

Emmanuel Macron pressed for recognition of Palestinian statehood in an address to the UK's Parliament, saying it was the "only path to peace".

The French president said a ceasefire was a matter of "absolute urgency" and that a two-state solution would bring security to the region.

He said: "We are aware that a political way out is crucial, and I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for regional security architecture which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours.

"But I want to be clear, calling today for a ceasefire in Gaza without any condition, is just telling to the rest of the world that for us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion.

"And today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace."

President of France Emmanuel Macron addresses MPs and peers in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday (Alistair Grant/PA Wire)

King set to emphasise 'multitude of complex threats' facing Britain and France

King Charles is expected to emphasise "the multitude of complex threats" that both Britain and France face in a speech at a state dinner at Windsor Castle this evening.

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron posted on social media that "there is so much we can build together".

Mr Macron enjoys a strong personal relationship with the monarch.

The King and President of France Emmanuel Macron arrive for the ceremonial welcome for the state visit to the UK of President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire (PA Wire)

President of France Emmanuel Macron has met with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch on day one of his state visit to the UK.

Mr Macron was also seen speaking with shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel during the meeting at Lancaster House, central London, on Tuesday.

President of France Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Starmer and Macron lay wreaths by Churchill statue and face hecklers

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron laid wreaths by the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Westminster following the French President's address to Parliament.

The pair travelled by car from the Palace of Westminster to the statue in Parliament Square, where they laid two wreaths before a British Army bugler played The Last Post.

They were heckled by a small pro-Gaza protest calling for an end to arms sales to Israel and the recognition of Palestine. Members of the public shushed the protesters following The Last Post.

The band of the Welsh Guards then played the national anthems of France and Britain before Sir Keir and Mr Macron departed to lay more wreaths by a statue of Charles De Gaulle.

Mr Macron waved to supporters in the crowd before leaving.

President of France Emmanuel Macron with his wife Brigitte Macron (left) and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, laying a wreath, and Lady Victoria Starmer, as they attend a ceremony at the Statue of Sir Winston Churchill (Carlos Jasso/PA Wire)

Kate to attend first state banquet in two years

The Princess of Wales is to attend her first state banquet in nearly two years.

Kate will join the King, the Queen, the Prince of Wales and some 160 guests at Windsor Castle for the white tie affair, the glittering highlight of the French state visit, on Tuesday evening.

President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are being feted with the opulent display of royal hospitality in the historic St George's Hall.

Kate, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and confirmed she was free from the disease at the start of this year, last made an appearance at a grand royal dinner 20 months ago in November 2023, in honour of the South Korean president.

Last week, she opened up about her "rollercoaster" cancer recovery, its life-changing impact, and putting on a "brave face" during a visit to Colchester Hospital.

Kensington Palace confirmed the princess would be present after she carried out royal duties to mark the start of the state visit earlier in the day, accompanying the Macrons to Windsor with William, taking part in the carriage ride, the ceremonial welcome, the royal luncheon and Royal Collection exhibition.

President lays wreath

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte laid a wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.

(Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Analysis: Migration and Donald Trump set to add frisson to discussions

Watch: Macron jokes Bayeaux Tapestry loan took longer to deliver than Brexit

We must reduce reliance on China and US, Macron warns

Britain and France must reduce risks posed by relying too much on the United States and China for trade, Mr Macron said.

"We will have .... to de-risk our two countries for the excessive dependencies on both the US and China," he said.

UK and France will save Europe by example, French leader says

Mr Macron said a UK-France summit at Downing Street this week will mark a "new stage" in scaling up co-operation between the two countries.

He said: "Our two countries, the only European nuclear weapon states, the leading armed forces of the continent, together accounting for 40% of European military budgets, both fully shoulder the responsibility when it comes to European security.

"And we are faced with new threats, with aggressive nuclear powers, with sometimes hesitating alliances, and the return of major conflict on our continent. This is why, in two days, our summit is so important, and the announcement we prepared so historical.”

He said there was an expectation that the UK and France, "faced with revisionist neighbours" had a "special responsibility for the security of the continent".

He said it was time to "make sure that not only our two countries will save themselves by their own exertions, but also that we will save Europe by our example and our solidarity".

We must protect international order, Macron says

Britain and France must work together to protect the international order, Mr Macron said in his address to Parliament.

"We have to work together in order to defend an efficient multilateralism and to protect the international order," Macron told MPs and peers.

Watch: Macron says France and UK ‘must fix illegal migration burden’

Standing ovation for president

Mr Macron receives a prolonged standing ovation from MPs and lords, after finishing his speech with “long live the United Kingdom, long live France”.

(YouTube)

Macron calls for opportunities for young for virtual exchanges

Mr Macron called for future generations to have more chances to work and study in each other’s countries, in an oblique reference to Brexit.

He said: “Although there are 300,000 French people living in the United Kingdom and 150,000 British people living in France, there has been a decrease in movement in recent years when it comes to school, university, with virtual exchanges.

“And today, there is a risk that our societies are growing apart, that our young people do not know each other as well, and may end up strangers at a time when international current events remind us, on a daily basis of our common future.

“Let's fix it. Let's work together in order to facilitate the exchange of students, researchers, intellectuals, artists. This is so important.

“Let's allow our children to have the same opportunities as the one we had the had.”

Analysis: Macron promises ‘closest cooperation’ on migration - but something is missing

President Emmanuel Macron is listing the political priorities of this trip: economy, defence, Ukraine, Middle East and, crucially, migration, writes David Maddox.

On migration he promised the “closest cooperation ever” to end the small boats.

However, there was something missing.

Mr Macron did not mention the “one in, one out” agreement Sir Keir Starmer is so keen to pen to paper on. The problem is that without it, both countries will struggle to end the irregular migration crisis.

Macron calls for cooperation with other nations to curb illegal migration

On illegal migration, the French president said the UK and France must work with the countries migrants come from and travel through.

“A third of the people entering illegally into the Schengen Area attempt to cross the Channel,” he told MPs and peers.

A lasting and effective solution would be found only by continuing to work with “the countries of departure and transit of global migration groups”, he said.

“Our objective, very clearly, is to have the best cooperation between our two countries in order to fix today what is a burden for our two countries.”

Democracy attacked daily, says Macron

Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the sacrifices of British troops during the First and Second World Wars but said the post-war rules-based order was under threat.

Speaking in Parliament's Royal Gallery, he said: "We shall never forget the support of the asylum your forefathers gave to the Free French forces in the fight against the barbarism of the Nazis."

He said Sir Winston Churchill's vision of "a world order based on law, justice and respect for territorial integrity" was "today being attacked on a daily basis as we witness direct attacks on our democracies, the return of war on our continent, the resurgence of imperial impulses and the flouting of international rules by destabilising powers".

Macron calls for state of Palestine to be recognised

Recognising the state of Palestine was the only route to peace in the Israel-Hamas war, Mr Macron told MPs and lords.

“I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for original security architecture, which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours,” he said.

“For us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion and today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace.”

We will never abandon Ukraine, says Macron

Mr Macron drew the loudest applause so far when he vowed: “This coalition was just a signal that Europeans will never abandon Ukraine, never.”

Recalling how France and the UK stood together against wars, he said: “Since the first day, and even before the first day, we were part of the closest ally of Ukraine, training the army being here the first day to protect President Zelensky, his government, and allowing the forces just to resist, as you did decades ago with my country and together, we worked very hard during the past few years in order to Stand with Ukrainian people. Just helping them to resist.

“We were right, and we are right.”

Analysis: Macron’s warmth to “dear Keir” on display

It has been a difficult time in recent weeks for prime minister Sir Keir Starmer but as French President Emmanuel Macron addresses the joint Houses of Parliament he knows he has a friend in Paris, writes David Maddox.

It was noticeable that the French president referred to him as “dear Keir” and thank him for being the first head of government to join the French commemorations of armistice day in November last year.

This is very reflective of the powerful relationships that Starmer has built with allies as he strives to repair post Brexit relations.