Coffee House Shots Can Keir defrost the 'entente glaciale'?
Jul 8, 2025
Tim Shipman, writer for The Spectator, joins to discuss Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK and the pressing ‘entente glaciale’ over migration. He highlights Keir Starmer’s attempts to negotiate a ‘one in, one out’ migration deal, exploring why the expected concessions have not materialized. The conversation delves into the political ramifications for both nations amid rising public discontent and the legacy of figures like Norman Tebbit, as they navigate the fraught waters of immigration policy together.
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Migration Deal's Deterrent Goal
- The immigration deal aims for France to take back illegal crossers while Britain accepts those with family ties.
- This deal may not immediately cut numbers but hopes to act as a deterrent if enforced strictly.
Macron and Starmer's Shared Challenges
- Macron and Starmer share centre-left positions but both face domestic unpopularity and difficulties.
- Macron struggles after poor election results, and Starmer contends with government failures and public skepticism.
UK-France Relations and Migration Reality
- Britain values relations with France despite differences because France is Europe's main military power.
- Migration deals have often failed, but stricter French enforcement could have a deterrent effect over time.