Prime Minister Keir Starmer met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday morning as both leaders prepared for wider talks with international partners on the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting focused on a mix of urgent foreign policy issues, with the Middle East, Ukraine, migration and European cooperation all featuring prominently.
Middle East Stability Took Center Stage
The two leaders began by discussing the situation in the Middle East, where both agreed that a lasting peace is needed to help restore wider global stability and improve security across the region.
Their conversation came just before further discussions with partners on the Strait of Hormuz, underlining the seriousness of the current tensions.
UK and France Signal Closer Global Cooperation
Beyond the immediate crisis, Starmer and Macron also talked about the broader UK-France relationship and how both countries are working more closely together on major international issues.
According to the official summary, that cooperation now includes joint involvement in the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine and the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.
The discussion suggested that London and Paris are trying to position themselves as central players in shaping European and wider international responses to major security threats.
Starmer Pushes for Stronger UK-EU Relationship
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also laid out his goal of building a closer relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
He linked that ambition directly to the growing security threats and wider geopolitical pressures now facing Europe, arguing that the current moment calls for a stronger and more coordinated continent.
That part of the talks points to Starmer’s broader effort to reset Britain’s relationship with Europe through practical cooperation on defence, security and regional stability.
Ukraine Remains a Shared Priority
The leaders also returned to the war in Ukraine, where they agreed on the importance of ensuring Kyiv continues to receive the support it needs. Both sides stressed that Ukraine must have the means to keep up the momentum it has gained on the battlefield.
That language reflects continued British and French backing for Ukraine at a time when military support remains a key part of the wider Western strategy.
Migration Still High on the Bilateral Agenda
Migration was another major topic during the meeting. Starmer and Macron agreed that more work is needed to reduce illegal crossings between France and the UK, while also addressing the issue further upstream with the help of international partners.
The conversation suggests both governments want to maintain pressure not only on small boat crossings themselves, but also on the broader networks and conditions driving irregular migration.
Leaders Plan to Continue Talks at the Summit
The two men ended the meeting by looking ahead to further discussions during the summit. That indicates the Paris encounter was part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a standalone event.
Impact and Consequences
The meeting highlights how closely UK and French interests are now overlapping on several major global issues. On security, it reinforces the idea that London and Paris want to act in concert on crises ranging from Ukraine to the Strait of Hormuz.
On Europe, it also sends a political signal that Britain under Starmer is seeking a more engaged and cooperative relationship with its European neighbors.
At the same time, the agenda shows how heavily current diplomacy is being shaped by conflict, migration pressure and growing instability in key regions.
What’s next?
The immediate next step is the wider summit discussion, where Starmer and Macron are expected to continue talks with other partners, particularly on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Beyond that, attention will turn to whether the UK and France translate these shared positions into deeper practical cooperation on Ukraine, migration and European security.
Summary
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron met in Paris ahead of talks on the Strait of Hormuz, using the meeting to discuss the Middle East, Ukraine, migration and the future of UK-France cooperation.
Both leaders backed the need for lasting peace in the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine, and stronger coordination on illegal migration. Starmer also used the meeting to press his case for a closer UK-EU relationship in response to growing regional and global threats.
Bulleted Takeaways:
- Keir Starmer met Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 17 April 2026.
- The meeting took place ahead of wider talks on the Strait of Hormuz.
- Both leaders agreed on the need for lasting peace in the Middle East.
- They discussed closer UK-France cooperation on Ukraine and maritime security.
- Starmer said he wants a closer relationship between the UK and the European Union.
- Ukraine remained a central topic, with both leaders backing continued support for Kyiv.
- Migration was also discussed, especially illegal crossings between France and the UK.
- The two leaders plan to speak again during the summit.
