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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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