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What did Macron and Sunak agree at UK-France summit?

We look at the commitments made as Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunak struck up a warm relationship in Paris

British PM Rishi Sunak met French President Emmanuel Macron to ‘bring two societies closer’ Pic: Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock

The UK and France agreed at the summit to prioritise “bringing our two societies closer” and opening up “dialogue on mobility”.

It was the first summit since 2018. Summits had previously been held every two years.

Read more: ‘Merci, mon ami’: UK-France reset as Sunak meets Macron in Paris

Read more: ‘Easier to make life better for Britons in France after summit success’

Education, sport and culture

A commission will look into cooperation on education, it was agreed. In particular, they want to make trips and exchanges easier and to improve opportunities for language learning.

The countries pledged to promote women’s sport, especially football, and spoke of a partnership between their national film industry bodies.

The UK will be ‘guest of honour’ at a French forum for the cultural and creative industries next year.

Read more: Film and energy deals made as France-Ireland Brexit boom gathers pace

The leaders spoke of plans to mark the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale in 2024, including a Franco-British literary prize; ‘Magnetic’, an artists residency scheme between the UK and France; and a programme called Lumière! to oversee joint cultural initiatives.

A new partnership between French and UK museums will be set up.

Shared electricity

Closer work on energy is planned, including possible new undersea interconnectors to share electricity.

The countries recommitted to the European Political Community, a Macron initiative that aims to bring together countries from the European continent in a spirit of shared values. 

Read more: President Macron has a new EU vision that could include the UK

One of its forthcoming meetings will be in the UK next year.

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