The grandeur of state visits, such as that of Emmanuel Macron to the UK, remains relevant in diplomacy, offering tangible benefits through displays of mutual respect. Macron's visit precedes that of Donald Trump, reflecting strategic planning in diplomatic relations. Since taking office in 2017, Macron has engaged with five UK prime ministers, marking his visits as crucial for statecraft. The current UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has prioritized improving relations with France, focusing on policy agreements, particularly concerning immigration and small boats crossing the Channel.
In a digital age, when intergovernmental business could easily be conducted online, the analogue grandeur of a state visit feels potent as a bestowal of favour.
Macron has been in office since 2017 and dealt with five UK prime ministers. None before Keir Starmer rolled out the deep red carpet of ceremonial statecraft.
Cultivating contact with the Elysee Palace, laying the foundations of mutual trust, is one area where the effort started in opposition.
The prime minister's priority is a deal to obstruct the traffic in small boats ferrying immigrants to the Kentish coast.
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