Starmer joins macron in paris - this is what they discussed

INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES WERE HIGH ON THE AGENDA British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer visited France yesterday (November 11) as part of Armistice Day commemorations.  He became the

first sitting PM to attend such an event in France since Winston Churchill in 1944. The event also commemorated the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale alliance between the two

nations.  The prime minister announced increased funding for next year’s 80th commemoration of the end of the conflict (Victory Europe day on May 8 and Victory over Japan day on August 15)

in the UK.  France held several large events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings earlier in 2024. Alongside attending Armistice Day events, the politicians discussed a

number of topics impacting the two countries, on both the European and global stage.  INTERNATIONAL SECURITY A MAJOR THEME  Key discussion points revolved around conflicts in Ukraine and the

Middle East.  In terms of the former, the politicians discussed “how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter,” an official spokesperson of the British

government said.  This includes a bilateral commitment to continue supporting the country despite the political climate, with some believing new US president Donald Trump will reduce aid to

Ukraine.  Read more: How the French feel about Trump's election win - new poll Regarding the Middle East, Sir Keir and Mr Macron “underscored their deep concern at the situation in Gaza

and Lebanon. They also reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank,” the UK spokesperson said.  The British embassy in France also said the politicians committed to deeper bilateral

ties, particularly on the topic of security and defence. The next bilateral summit will be held next year in the UK.  INCREASED COOPERATION Another key point discussed was migrant crossings

across the English Channel, with both sides committing to increased cooperation on the matter, particularly on a crackdown of people-trafficking groups.  An increased level of cooperation in

other fields including security and artificial intelligence was agreed, as well as biodiversity and protection of the oceans, and climate issues, the British embassy said.  Read more: UK

autumn budget: What changes for Britons in France?