Macron signs UK defence reboot
State Banquet at Windsor Castle Signals a Renewed Franco‑British Defence Pact
King Charles III Welcomes President Emmanuel Macron – A Toast to Anglo‑French Camaraderie
On Tuesday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla received a distinctly warm embrace from President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. The royal couple toasted a new “entente amicale” amid a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, underscoring the importance of cross‑Channel ties in an era of rising threats.
Defence Declaration: A “Reboot” of Shared Military Ambitions
Macron’s three‑day state visit culminated in a summit that pledged to “refreshed” the Franco‑British defence relationship, as announced by the UK Ministry of Defence.
- Both leaders agreed to increase orders of the long‑range Storm Shadow cruise missiles—air‑launched weapons jointly developed by the allies—and to accelerate work on a replacement system.
- More than 200 of these missiles have already been shipped to Ukraine, bolstering Kyiv’s war effort against Russia.
- Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will deepen nuclear cooperation, agreeing to “work more closely than ever before on nuclear deterrence.”
- For the first time, a new declaration will state that British and French deterrents are independent yet can be coordinated; an “extreme threat to Europe” could prompt a joint response.
Starmer‑Macron Summit: “Industrial Entente” as a Growth Engine
Under the refreshed Lancaster House agreement first struck in 2010, the partnership heralds a new “entente industrielle”, positioning defence as a catalyst for economic growth.
“From war in Europe, to new nuclear risks and daily cyber‑attacks – the threats we face are multiplying,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement.
He added that the UK and France stand ready to use their shared might to advance joint capabilities, supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping people safe.
Ukraine Support: A “Coalition of the Willing” Meeting on Thursday
Macron’s visit includes a Thursday meeting with the “coalition of the willing” to discuss support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia.
He will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Innovation Beyond Borders: From Smuggling to Cultural Exchange
Downing Street’s discussion — focused on migrant small‑boat crossings — submitted new ideas, including the development of a deterrent to disrupt the business model of cross‑Channel people smugglers.
Macron also met with Anglo‑French business representatives and visited the British Museum, where a landmark cultural exchange was announced: France to loan the famous Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum for 10 months from September 2026, and in return, London will loan the Sutton Hoo collection to French museums, along with other medieval treasures.
