Starmer, Macron Meet at No 10 to Seek Channel Migrant Deal

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are holding talks at Downing Street amid the UK's push for France to take tougher action to stop migrant crossings via small boats across the English Channel. The discussions center on a proposed "one in, one out" deal, which would see small boat migrants returned to the continent in exchange for the UK accepting asylum seekers with British links residing in Europe. Macron, visiting the UK for the first state visit by an EU head of state since Brexit, described the migrant issue as a shared burden requiring humane and fair cooperation. Despite opposition from some EU countries threatening the deal's progress, Downing Street insists negotiations continue amid record numbers of crossings, with over 21,000 migrants having crossed so far in 2025. The leaders also plan to attend business receptions and cultural events, and Macron's visit includes engagements hosted by King Charles. Both countries reaffirm their commitment to joint action on migration, terrorism, and organized crime at the upcoming Franco-British summit.