UK PM Sunak optimistic on working with France to address illegal migration

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met with French President Emmanuel Macron during the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. The two leaders this week touched on the issue of migration, and Sunak said the two countries are in the final stages of a new deal that could curb the number of migrants.

Speaking to reporters in Egypt, Sunak expressed optimism following his meeting with Macron, also as part to reset ties between the United Kingdom and France, which were strained during the time of Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss. Sunak said the meeting with Macron went well, with an opportunity to work with France and other countries to tackle illegal migration.

The issue comes amidst a record number of migrant crossings on the English Channel, with Sunak under pressure to address and solve the issue. The meeting with Macron was also Sunak’s first in-person meeting with the French leader since taking office in October.

“You will hear more details about that in the coming weeks, as those conversations happen amongst all our teams,” said Sunak. “I’m actually leaving this with renewed confidence and optimism that working together with our European partners, we can make a difference, grip this challenge of illegal migration, and stop people coming illegally.”

Sunak’s spokesman also said the final details of a deal between the UK and France to curb the surge of migrants that are entering the UK in boats were being made.

British officials previously said they would like to see their own immigration officers on the ground in France and working closely with French law enforcement to prevent more boats from leaving French beaches.

Sunak is also set to meet with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday in London, where they are set to discuss the war in Ukraine and the future of the alliance.

Stoltenberg would be the first international leader to visit Sunak in Downing Street, and the meeting of the two leaders comes as London looks to update its review of defense priorities as Sunak’s administration considers spending cuts.

“NATO is the cornerstone of our security, and the security of our allies. As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, we must not take peace at home for granted,” said Sunak in a statement.