The theatricality of the warmth on show between British prime minister Rishi Sunak and French president Emmanuel Macron during their summit in Paris should not detract from how important it is that Franco-British cooperation has been renewed.
Relations reached rock bottom under Boris Johnson and his successor Liz Truss. The latter’s famous comment that the “jury is out” on whether Macron was a friend or foe shocked diplomats around the world.
Deep sighs of relief will be audible from both sides of the Channel now that Sunak has made it clear Macron is a firm friend. It is also a cautious step by the UK to recognise the importance of its European partners – something it has strenuously attempted to avoid during the Brexit years. However, it is not going to be easy to deliver on the key promises that come out of the summit. Three areas stand out as significant.
