Macron Urges UK to Support Palestine Recognition

French President Emmanuel Macron has used his historic state visit to the United Kingdom—the first by an EU leader since Brexit—to push for joint Franco-British initiatives on Palestine and Ukraine. In a landmark address to both houses of Parliament on July 9, Macron called on the UK to join France in recognizing a Palestinian state, which he described as “the only way to build peace and stability” in the Middle East.

“With Gaza in ruin and the West Bank being attacked daily, the perspective of a Palestinian state has never been more at risk,” Macron warned. He said France and the UK must act together to advance peace efforts and humanitarian outcomes in the region.

Renewing the Franco-British Alliance

Macron's three-day visit began with a ceremonial welcome by King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The French president praised the “return of closer ties” between the UK and France, marking a shift in tone following years of post-Brexit diplomatic tension.

“The only way to overcome the challenges of our time will be to go together—hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder,” Macron said, referencing global threats and strategic dependencies.

He emphasized the need to reduce “excessive dependencies” on both the United States and China and called for new cooperation on defense, immigration, climate, AI, and online child safety.

Ukraine Support, EDF Deal, and Migration Talks

Macron reaffirmed Europe’s enduring support for Ukraine and urged Britain to help “increase pressure on Russia.” A joint session with leaders including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled for later this week.

In addition, Macron and Starmer announced a £1.1 billion ($1.5B) EDF investment into a nuclear energy project in eastern England. France will also lend the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK—its first return in over 900 years—in exchange for Anglo-Saxon and Viking artifacts from London.

Political negotiations will continue with bilateral talks focused on migration. Starmer is expected to seek Macron’s cooperation on a controversial asylum return scheme amid mounting domestic pressure.