Sunak and Macron vow to ‘deepen’ partnership to stop migrant crossings

Mr Sunak and Mr Macron stressed the importance of “deepening” the partnership between the UK and France during a telephone call on Friday. There was agreement that small boat crossings across the English Channel needed to be made ‘completely unviable’.During the call, Mr Sunak emphasised the ‘importance’ of the alliance as he sought to start the process of improving relations between London and Paris.The increasing number of migrant crossings has led to rows between Britain and France in recent months.Critics have questioned if the financial resources that the Government is sending to France in order to fund resources and police officers to stop the crossings is producing results.However, a Downing Street Spokeswoman inisted that Mr Sunak had emphasised the importance of curbing the Channel crossings to Mr Macron. Rishi Sunak during a visit to a hospital in South London on Friday (Image: Getty Images ) Emmanuel Macron hosting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this week (Image: Getty Images )She said: “The Prime Minister stressed the importance for both nations to make the Channel route completely unviable for people traffickers.”The leaders committed to deepening our partnership to deter deadly journeys across the Channel that benefit organised criminals.”The two leaders agreed on a ‘huge range of areas’ where it is “vital” that the two nations work together including Ukraine, climate, defence and the economy, according to Number 10.The Downing Street spokeswoman contiued by adding that the two leaders hoped to meet soon and holding a UK-France summit next year.READ MORE: Daily Express campaign urges Sunak to protect pension triple lockThere’s actually a good chance of a Sunak-Macron unfreeze of UK-Fr relations. They’re remarkably similar people and there’s a strong strategic interest for both countries so, on this at least, the stars might align quite neatly. https://t.co/g825W0CNBr- Chris Grey ������������ (@chrisgreybrexit) October 28, 2022 She said: “President Macron congratulated him on his appointment and the Prime Minister stressed the importance he places on the UK’s relationship with France – our neighbour and ally.”The leaders agreed that there are a huge range of areas where UK-France co-operation is vital, including on Ukraine, climate, defence and the economy.”The Prime Minister and President Macron discussed a range of global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”They agreed on the importance of continuing to work in support of Ukraine.”DON’T MISS: Scotland EU bid may be ruined by Sturgeon’s refusal to join Euro [REVEAL] Try harder!’ Rishi Sunak savaged by patient on first hospital visit  [INSIGHT] Rishi Sunak hit by Boris Johnson problem as new PM faces battle ahead [SPOTLIGHT] Brexit and party politics aside, Macron and Sunak could get along quite well. There is a real desire in Paris to mend the ������������������������tie, post-Johnson. The pair also happen both to be-sons of medics, eldest of 3-ex-investment bankers, deal-makers-outsider-insider members of the elite https://t.co/I3Dkb2Ryo5- Sophie Pedder (@PedderSophie) October 25, 2022 The two leaders are “resolved” to collaborate in order to help people across Europe looking at a challenging winter with the cost of living increasing and the energy crisis.Marcon and Sunak are committed to “securing a more stable energy future”.According to the spokesperson, “this includes increasing co-operation on nuclear energy”.