France has denied reports that Emmanuel Macron blamed Sir Keir Starmer for the migrant crisis ahead of crunch talks at No10 this morning.
Mr Macron wants Sir Keir to make the UK less attractive to people, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The Elysee denied the report, saying: "The French president looks forward to working with the Prime Minister constructively on this shared priority."
Sir Keir hopes to strike a "one in, one out" deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link.
Alongside Downing Street talks, Sir Keir and Mr Macron are also expected to attend a reception with UK and French businesses and an event at the British Museum on Wednesday.
Their spouses, Brigitte Macron and Lady Victoria Starmer, will have tea and a tour of Downing Street together, followed by all four having lunch.
On Tuesday, the King called on France and Britain to “lead the way” in the face of “complex threats” as he spoke at a star-studded state banquet.
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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
Starmer to face PMQs
10:45
,
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer is still expected to face his weekly questions in the Commons today.
The prime minister has been busy hosting the French president this week, who is in the UK for a state visit.
But Starmer will take time out of his busy schedule to face the opposition at midday.
We will bring you the latest updates here.
Wes Streeting warns doctors ‘the public will not forgive you’ as NHS strike chaos looms
10:27
,
Alexander Butler
Wes Streeting has warned doctors that “the public will not forgive you” as the NHS faces months of strike chaos.
The health secretary said that a pay rise is not an option after doctors in England voted in favour of industrial action, which could see walkouts last until January next year.
He also accused them of “squandering an opportunity by striking” instead of working with him to improve working conditions, warning: “You will not find another health and social care secretary as sympathetic to resident doctors as me”.
Farage’s support has ‘topped out’, pollster claims as Starmer told to stop obsessing about Reform
10:17
,
Alexander Butler
Watch: Macron receives royal welcome to UK from Prince and Princess of Wales
10:08
,
Alexander Butler
Analysis: Will Macron help Starmer to tackle the small boats issue? The prime minister shouldn’t get his hopes up
09:55
,
Alexander Butler
Watch: Applause as Macron says Europe won't abandon Ukraine
09:22
,
Alexander Butler
UK working to reduce 'pull factors' of migration, says minister
09:12
,
Alexander Butler
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the Government was already working to reduce the "pull factors" attracting migrants to risk the English Channel crossing to reach the UK.
He also welcomed the French authorities' tougher action on the Channel beaches.
In response to concerns about "pull factors" he told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "That is why this Government is cracking down on illegal working and why there have been over 7,000 arrests in that space."
Work in countries that migrants travel through on the way to the Channel coast was also important, he added.
After footage emerged of French police slashing the boats used by migrants, Mr Thomas-Symonds said: "We do welcome that action taken in shallow waters."
He said "we have to evolve our law enforcement capacity" in response to changing tactics from people smugglers.
Starmer and Macron to hold Downing Street talks amid push for French help on small boats
09:00
,
Alexander Butler
France denies that Macron blames Starmer for migrant crisis
08:42
,
Alexander Butler
France has denied reports that Emmanuel Macron blamed Sir Keir Starmer for the migrant crisis ahead of crunch talks at No10 this morning.
Mr Macron expected measures “addressing the root causes of the factors that attract people to the United Kingdom”, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The Elysee denied the report, saying: "The French president looks forward to working with the Prime Minister constructively on this shared priority."
Sir Keir hopes to strike a "one in, one out" deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link.
Watch: King speaks of UK and France’s deepening co-operation amid ‘profound challenges’
08:29
,
Alexander Butler
Britain and France must shoulder burden of keeping Europe safe, Macron says in historic parliament address
08:18
,
Alexander Butler
Macron vows to resolve 'burden' of illegal channel crossings
08:05
,
Alexander Butler
In a speech to MPs and peers on Tuesday, Mr Macron promised to deliver on measures to cut the number of migrants crossing the English Channel, describing the issue as a "burden" to both countries.
He said France and the UK have a "shared responsibility to address irregular migration with humanity, solidarity and fairness".
Decisions at a Franco-British summit on Thursday will respond to "our aims for co-operation and tangible results on these major issues", Mr Macron added.
A senior Elysee source said: "The French president looks forward to working with the Prime Minister constructively on this shared priority."
Why are state visits 'cherry on the top'
08:00
,
Namita Singh
The Macrons’ is just the fifth state visit since King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa had the honor of receiving the first invitation for a state visit during the new king's reign and spent three days in Britain in November 2022. The leaders of Qatar, Japan and South Korea have also received the full royal treatment.
More controversially, Charles has invited US president Donald Trump to make an unprecedented second state visit to Britain, which is expected to take place in the autumn.
While prime minister Keir Starmer is trying to bolster relations with the US, some UK lawmakers have questioned whether Trump should be awarded such an honor after he torpedoed long-standing norms for global trade, refused to condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine and proposed moving Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip.
"An invitation for a state visit is highly prized amongst world leaders," said Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, who focuses on the political role of the monarchy.
"Now, it won't necessarily turn an enemy into an ally, but it can be part of that broader diplomatic move to maybe get the best out of someone.
"It's that cherry on the top, but at times it could be a very valuable cherry."
Queen Elizabeth II, Charles' mother, hosted 112 state visits during her seven decades on the throne.
Starmer and Macron to hold talks on migrant channel crossings
07:55
,
Alexander Butler
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.
The French president arrived on Tuesday for the first state visit by an EU head of state since Brexit.
It comes as the UK has been pressing for tougher action from the French authorities on the beaches along the Channel coast.
The Prime Minister hopes to strike a "one in, one out" deal to send small boat migrants back to the continent, in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers in Europe who have a British link.
Alongside Downing Street talks, Sir Keir and Mr Macron are also expected to attend a reception with UK and French businesses and an event at the British Museum on Wednesday.
Their spouses, Brigitte Macron and Lady Victoria Starmer, will have tea and a tour of Downing Street together, followed by all four having lunch.
What is a state visit?
07:50
,
Namita Singh
State visits are ceremonial meetings between heads of state that are used to honor friendly nations and sometimes smooth relations between rivals.
While the king formally issues the invitation for a state visit, he does so on the advice of the elected government.
State visits to Britain are particularly prized by heads of state because they come with a full complement of royal pomp and circumstance, including military reviews, carriage rides and a glittering state banquet hosted by the monarch.
The events normally take place in and around Buckingham Palace in central London.
But the Macrons will stay at Windsor Castle, to the west of the capital. Buckingham Palace is undergoing extensive remodeling.
Who is the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron?
07:45
,
Alexander Butler
Government refuses to give details on France migrant deal
07:35
,
Alexander Butler
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?
07:23
,
Alexander Butler
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
07:13
,
Namita Singh
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.
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.
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
07:00
,
Tara Cobham
The five women behind Brigitte Macron’s faultless French chic
06:00
,
Tara Cobham
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
05:00
,
Tara Cobham
Editorial: A small-boats deal with France would be a game-changer for Starmer
04:00
,
Tara Cobham
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.
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In pictures: High profile guest list for state banquet
03:00
,
Tara Cobham
King seated next to Macron who was next to Kate
02:00
,
Tara Cobham
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.
Charles calls on France and Britain to 'lead the way' in face of 'complex threats'
01:00
,
Tara Cobham
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
Wednesday 9 July 2025 00:00
,
Tara Cobham
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.
Macron delivers speech in which he speaks about Bayeux Tapestry loan
Tuesday 8 July 2025 23:34
,
Tara Cobham
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.”
King speaks of deepening co-operation between UK and France in face of 'profound challenges'
Tuesday 8 July 2025 23:00
,
Tara Cobham
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
Tuesday 8 July 2025 22:30
,
Tara Cobham
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.
Mick Jagger and Elton John top star-studded guest list for state banquet
Tuesday 8 July 2025 22:06
,
Tara Cobham
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.
Celebrity guests seen making their way into vast St George’s Hall for state banquet
Tuesday 8 July 2025 22:00
,
Tara Cobham
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.
Kate and William pictured smiling together outside in gardens of Windsor
Tuesday 8 July 2025 21:23
,
Tara Cobham
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.
Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor pic.twitter.com/l07Jg4olOd
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 8, 2025
Highlights from day one of Macron's state visit
Tuesday 8 July 2025 21:00
,
Tara Cobham
Watch: Macron makes Brexit joke in address to Parliament during UK state visit
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:45
,
Tara Cobham
Royal family speaks of 'L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!'
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:30
,
Tara Cobham
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.”
L’Entente Cordiale in the Kitchens!
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 8, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/gEw9oDYVBR
State banquet hosted in impressive St George's Hall which is largest room in castle
Tuesday 8 July 2025 20:15
,
Tara Cobham
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