French President Emmanuel Macron has called on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to implement measures aimed at reducing incentives for migrants to cross the English Channel.

The appeal was made during Macron's three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, which commenced on July 8, 2025.

Macron attributed the increasing number of small boat crossings to the UK's asylum policies, which he believes act as a magnet for migrants.

He outlined three primary demands: the UK should expedite the processing of asylum claims, enhance the enforcement of deportations for failed applicants, and strengthen border security measures.

In response, Prime Minister Starmer is advocating for a bilateral "one in, one out" agreement.

This proposed arrangement would allow the UK to return migrants who have illegally crossed the Channel to France, in exchange for accepting an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France who have familial ties to the UK.

However, the specifics of this deal remain under negotiation, and no formal agreement has been reached.

The state visit included a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, featuring a carriage procession and a state banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The event was attended by senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales.

During the banquet, both King Charles and President Macron emphasized the importance of Franco-British cooperation in addressing global challenges, including migration and security threats.

The visit also featured cultural exchanges and discussions on economic partnerships, notably the EDF-backed Sizewell C nuclear plant project.

The leaders are scheduled to continue their talks, focusing on defense collaboration and strategies to manage migration across the Channel.