Macron visit LIVE: Keir Starmer urged to demand £771m migrant cash back from France
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are set to have a showdown over migration as the French President arrives for his state visit. Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte will be hosted by the King when they travel to the UK today.
During his stay in Britain, Mr Macron and Sir Keir will hold a Franco-British summit, where tackling migration is set to be a major issue. It comes as small boat migrant crossings have hit a record high so far this year.
Sir Keir's plan to use the state visit to unveil a "one in, one out" deal with France is reportedly at risk following EU objections in a huge blow for the PM.
The Tories urged the Prime Minister to demand that France pays back the £771 million from Britain for not doing enough to tackle small boat crossings.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "We’ve paid France £771 million and they’ve stopped very few migrants on land and none at sea.
"This is in contrast to Belgium where embarkations have dropped 90% because they do intercept at sea. We should be asking France for a refund."
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Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: ‘We’ve paid France £771 million and they’ve stopped very few migrants on land and none at sea.
‘This is in contrast to Belgium where embarkations have dropped 90% because they do intercept at sea. We should be asking France for a refund.’
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrive in Britain for a three-day state visit today as Sir Keir Starmer presses for more help stopping small boats crossing the Channel.
Mr Macron will be hosted by the King for the first state visit by a French president since 2008.
But there will be a political dimension to the visit as well, with the French leader expected to meet the Prime Minister for a Franco-British summit later in the week.
express.co.uk
