Emmanuel Macron made his state visit to the UK this week – the first EU leader to do so since Brexit. It heralded a reset between France and Britain, dubbed the ‘entente amicale’ by King Charles. Macron and Starmer announced a joint crackdown on migration with a ‘one-in one-out policy’ for asylum seekers and closer cooperation on defence. But it wasn't all hard talk, with much of the limelight focused on a soft-power push: the announcement that the Bayeux Tapestry will be returning to the UK for the first time in more than 900 years. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Anna Gross and the FT’s Europe editor Ben Hall to discuss what this ‘entente amicable’ might mean for the UK.
Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Anna @annasophiegross.bsky.social
What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com
Want more? Free links:
Britain, France and the necessary relationship
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announce migrant returns deal
How the British Museum secured chance to host Bayeux Tapestry after 900 years
Small boat crossings to UK soar in first half of year
Inside Politics: Jake Berry’s defection signals Tory party is in deep trouble
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Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.
Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com
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