“It shows what collaboration can achieve, just as we are also showing on Ukraine, on small boats, and also on strengthening the UK-EU relationship,” Burnham added.
Macron said: “This is a very strong relationship. For me it is extremely important, and I’m here with willingness and a commitment to get closer.”
The French leader’s visit to the UK was primarily to mark the Bayeux Tapestry’s loan to the British Museum. He met King Charles at the museum on Wednesday, ahead of the medieval tapestry going on public display next week.
In bilateral talks on Thursday, Burnham and Macron discussed not only small boats but also the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as defence and EU co-operation.
The arrival of the first foreign leader under the Burnham premiership is an important symbolic moment – it shows the relationship with Paris is an important priority.
But it also reflects an obvious reality – to further reduce small boats crossings, working with France will be essential.
France and the UK have been working extremely closely on Ukraine and Iran, trying to jointly influence the White House.
And Paris will be an important player as the UK seeks even stronger economic ties with Europe under the new No 10 administration.
The “mega dinghies” crossing the Channel illegally – first seen earlier in August with a 15-metre long vessel carrying a record 230 migrants towards the UK – are arguably the most pressing challenge facing the pair.
It follows a summer when the overall number of small boat arrivals in the UK fell to a seven-year low.
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