UK to fund migrant detention centre in France, Sunak says

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Bruno Le Maire, France’s economy minister, took part in today’s summit - along with other French and British government ministers.

He knows Rishi Sunak of old. They worked together on sanctions against Russia when Sunak was chancellor. He told me the atmosphere between the leaders today was markedly different than in the years following Brexit.

Quote Message: The atmosphere today was a very good one and a very friendly one. This summit is the beginning of a new entente between France and the UK."

The atmosphere today was a very good one and a very friendly one. This summit is the beginning of a new entente between France and the UK."

Quote Message: The key message is a message of friendship and partnership, a message of co-operation between France and the UK. I know Prime Minister Sunak very well. He’s a really a great politician. He’s a good friend... The UK and France really stand together. This is one of the political messages that President Macron and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak want to send.” from Bruno Le Maire French economy minister

The key message is a message of friendship and partnership, a message of co-operation between France and the UK. I know Prime Minister Sunak very well. He’s a really a great politician. He’s a good friend... The UK and France really stand together. This is one of the political messages that President Macron and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak want to send.”

The British Red Cross says the UK's decision to help fund a migrant detention centre in France is "disappointing".

In a statement, the executive director of the charity - which provides support for refugees and asylum seekers - said: "The focus on more detention... is disappointing."

Christina Marriott said that it, combined with the government's new proposed legislation to stop migrants from crossing the Channel to the UK will be "ineffective, hugely expensive, and remain contrary to the international laws our country was once proud to have shaped."

"The government should focus its efforts on addressing the real problems with the system – like inefficiencies that have resulted in a backlog of 160,000 people waiting for a decision on their claim," Marriott argued.

Unicef, the United Nation's children's fund, has said it's "deeply concerned" about the UK's Illegal Migration Bill, which Rishi Sunak says will "support" the new measures announced today.

“This Bill puts children’s right to safety and protection under threat by denying children who arrive through irregular routes, such as on a boat across the English Channel, from making an asylum claim, and with that the chance to rebuild their lives with stability and certainty here in the UK," said Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of the UK Committee for Unicef.

“The Bill has been published without an accompanying assessment of its impact on children, leaving many critical questions unanswered."

He added that "as a first step", the government should "urgently clarify how they will ensure children’s safety and wellbeing in this Bill and how they will maintain their obligations to uphold children’s rights”.

Labour has responded to today's announcement on illegal migration by criticising the government for "making the same old mistakes, all while doing nothing to tackle the root causes of this crisis.”

“Before Rishi Sunak sends even more money to the French authorities to tackle this crisis, he needs to explain what was achieved by the hundreds of millions we've given them before, and why small boat crossings continued to go up regardless," said Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general.

If the Tories had any sense, "they would adopt Labour's five-point plan to stop the boats", she added.

According to Labour, its plan would aim to:

1. crack down on the criminal gangs
2. speed up asylum decisions
3. reform resettlement schemes
4. replace the Dublin agreement
5. work internationally to address crises leading people to flee their homes

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

So this was all about rekindling a relationship that had run into trouble.

Emmanuel Macron had no qualms about putting his finger on what he thought had led the relationship into difficulties in recent years. Brexit.

“In the short run we have to fix the consequences of Brexit,” he said. “A lot of issues we have are direct consequences of the Brexit. And probably some of these consequence were underestimated.”

Between the lines, that was a criticism of Sunak’s three predecessors as prime ministers and the tensions all have had with the EU.

However, it’s clear this meeting was the start of something more cooperative - a small step, no more.

Marcon said: “It makes sense with our history, our geography - we want the best possible, closest alliance.” And, with a hint of a smile, he added: “It will depend on our commitment, our willingness. But I am sure we will do it.”

The message, over to you Mr Sunak to follow through on what you’ve begun.

The first UK-France summit in five years has concluded, resulting in "unprecedented measures" to tackle illegal migration.

Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron have been outlining what this deal means during a press conference in Paris. Here's what we learned:

• The UK will contribute almost £500m over three years to help France curb migrants crossings the Channel in small boats, Suank announced
• This will go towards setting up a new detention centre in France, increasing patrols on French beaches, as well as more drones and other surveillance technologies
• Macron said the nations, bound by history and geography, were determined to "make progress in lockstep" on illegal migration
• But he made clear that there can be no bilateral agreement for France to take back migrants who try to cross the Channel
• The two leaders presented a strong sense of comradery: Macron addressed "dear" Rishi, who in turned thanked "mon ami", with the briefing concluding with a embrace

One of the outstanding questions is how the migrant detention centre would work - something the BBC is looking into.

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Both leaders clearly agree that tackling the networks moving migrants and refugees is a priority.

Sunak says what they’ve agreed “is going to make a difference.” For him it’s a domestic political issue. He needs to see a reduction in boats reaching the UK.

Macron also wants to see the movements reduced. But for him the issue is one that has broader implications.

He said they need to look at the routes people take to reach western Europe. And he wants those discussions to take place in the new pan-European Political Community (EPC) he’s trying to establish.

It’s not the EU. It takes in more countries and is less formal. So for Macron, the migrant issue is one he can use to draw the UK back into greater European co-operation in a new forum that sits outside the EU.

The EPC is his French vision and the migrant issue is one way to expand its role.

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The president and prime minister leave together — bromance under a shared brolly as Emmanuel Macron takes Rishi Sunak to his car.

EPACopyright: EPA

And that's that.

Both leaders shake hands and embrace before leaving the stage in the Elysee Palace.

EPACopyright: EPA

In the final question, both leaders are asked about fighting inflation and Macron is asked about his plan to raise the retirement age in France.

Macron starts by saying inflation and cost of living has created challenging situations for everyone across Europe.

He adds that France remains one of the countries with the lowest inflation levels due to the policies we have put in place as Macron says he won't go into protests over the retirement age increase and will respect the French parliamentary procedure.

Sunak says the biggest cost of living is energy prices and adds that this summit has touched on more renewable energies going forward.

"Citizens are paying the price for the war," he says.

Sunak concludes by saying it is a priority for France and UK to diversify our energy and "good progress" has been made on that today, he says.

"We left the EU but didn't leave Europe," he concludes.

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The Times asks two questions next.

The first is aimed at Sunak: The UK has already spent £300m on supporting French efforts to stop small boats. What makes you think that this new money will be any more effective now?

Sunak responds by saying: "Let's just be clear, there are joint efforts" rather than just French efforts, and speaks of the "shared challenge" the two countries face.

He acknowledges, however, that global migration is a challenge. "There are global forces at play," he says. He adds that both nations are working "incredibly hard" to try to break the cycle.

He says there is no one solution for the problem, and nor will it be solved overnight, but that cooperation with allies, including France is very important.

The second question, directed at Macron, is about the relationship between France and the UK. Can this relationship ever be as close as it once was, the Times asks.

"This is my wish", Macron says, but says it "will depend on our commitment, our willingness".

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

The two leaders are next asked by AFP about recent protests in Georgia, for which Russia has blamed the West - and whether Moscow has had a hand in a draft law there which has now been withdrawn.

They are also asked about the conflict in Ukraine.

Macron responds that there is a tendency in the Kremlin to view any population movement as coming from outside influence.

Georgia has been affected by "worrisome movements" and "very strong pressure", he says, adding that he hopes the country can find a path to greater "calmness".

On Ukraine, he says in the "short-term, our goal is to help Ukraine conduct a counter-offensive".

Sunak agrees, saying: "We want Ukraine to win this war and we're absolutely united in that. Our job is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position."

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Now it's time for questions from journalists - starting with BBC Political Editor Chris Mason who asks both leaders if they can ever see a deal where migrants to the UK could ever be returned to France.

Sunak accepts it is a shared challenge with the UK, France and Europe.

"Our partnership is very strong," he says and adds that going forward the two will continue cooperating.

Macron talks about the priority being dismantling criminal networks and groups, and says Sunak's plan is "the ambition" that is needed.

The French president says this is not an agreement with the UK and France, but with the UK and the European Union.

He adds: "We have to work closely together to try and dismantle these groups and be more efficient."

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Sunak brings his speech to a close by saying that ultimately, the relationship between the UK and France is about the people, the bonds of family, friendship and shared solidarity.

He goes onto thank the French people for their sympathy at the passing of the late Queen, and thanks Macron for his "graciousness".

Sunak says he is fortunate to be serving alongside Macron, and is excited for the future.

"Merci, mon ami," he says as he ends the speech.

Sunak goes on to say how the UK and France share a special bond over security and he promises that the UK will always be at the forefront of defence.

"We've agreed to train Ukrainian marines, helping to give Ukraine a decisive advantage on the battlefield and for Ukraine to win this war."

He says the UK and France will jointly explore the development of complex weapons like air defence and long-range weapons.

"We will continue to stand together for freedom, democracy and the rule of law."