Macron and Burnham meet in London to discuss EU ties and migration as Bayeux Tapestry opens

Bilateral talks at Downing Street

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street on 3 September 2026, marking the first visit by an international leader since Burnham took office six weeks earlier. Meeting in Downing Street's pillared room, the two leaders conducted formal talks focused on Ukraine, Channel migration, and the future of British relations with the European Union. The visit took place a day after the leaders met King Charles III at Clarence House and the British Museum. Burnham thanked the French president for authorizing the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry as an act of goodwill, while Macron affirmed France's readiness to deepen cooperation.

It shows what collaboration can achieve, just as we are also showing on Ukraine, on small boats and also on strengthening the UK-EU relationship. So I look forward to discussing those themes further with you today.

EU trade policy and industrial concerns

Economic and trade policy formed a core component of the Downing Street agenda after Burnham advocated in August for Britain to adopt a bolder approach to European ties. During the meeting, Burnham warned that the European Union's proposed Made in Europe initiative could create serious challenges for British industry if European firms receive preferential access to public procurement contracts. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of joint collaboration to protect shared economic interests across the Channel. Macron affirmed that the French government remains willing to discuss all bilateral matters, including options for restoring closer relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

This is a very strong relationship. For me it is extremely important, and I'm here with willingness and a commitment to get closer.

Maritime security and Channel enforcement

Maritime security along the English Channel took precedence following the announcement of expanded police deployments along the French coast. While combined small boat crossings over the summer months fell to their lowest level since 2019, Downing Street warned that smuggling networks have shifted toward using larger vessels carrying higher passenger numbers. To counter the trend, British and French authorities announced the deployment of a 45-officer surge team to western French beaches in the coming weeks, nearly tripling local resources. A separate 75-strong specialized unit has already started operations in northern France to disrupt smuggling gangs before departures. Burnham stated that both governments must remain proactive to stay ahead of changing trafficking tactics.

Bayeux Tapestry preview at the British Museum

The bilateral summit followed a cultural event on 2 September 2026, when King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Andy Burnham, and Emmanuel Macron previewed the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum. Brigitte Macron and Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel, joined the delegation alongside East Sussex pupils from Claverham Community College and French students. The 70-metre-long 11th-century artefact, which portrays William the Conqueror and the 1066 Norman Conquest of England, is displayed horizontally in a dedicated dimly lit gallery. Macron agreed to the one-year loan during a state visit in July 2025, building on preliminary discussions initiated with Theresa May in 2018. The tapestry arrived at the museum on 10 July 2026, fulfilling a loan concept first formally proposed in 1931. The public exhibition opens on 10 September 2026 and concludes on 11 July 2027.