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Burnham and Macron discuss drive to get UK ‘closer to Europe’

By Thomson Reuters Sep 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM

LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed ​Britain’s “drive to get closer ‌to Europe” in a meeting in London, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Thursday.

During their discussion, Burnham told his ‌French ​counterpart that the ⁠European Union’s Made ⁠in Europe agenda, which could see the EU prioritising European-made goods in public contracts, “could pose significant ​challenges for UK industry”, the spokesperson added.

Burnham last month said ⁠Britain should be ⁠bolder in pursuing closer ​ties with the European Union.

In Thursday’s ​meeting with Macron, the two “agreed it ‌was vital to work together to find a way forward to protect shared interests,” the ⁠spokesperson also said.

The two leaders’ meeting on Thursday followed a visit with Britain’s King ⁠Charles ‌on Wednesday to the ⁠exhibition housing the historic ​Bayeux ‌Tapestry, which has been ​loaned to ⁠the British Museum from its home in northern France under a deal struck with the French government.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by ​William James)