Starmer, Macron agree on need for new migrant deterrent

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the need for new solutions to the problem of illegal migration, Starmer's office said.

The two met for lunch during what is the first state visit by a European leader since Britain's exit from the European Union in 2020, with both sides talking up the need to deliver concrete progress to stop migrants travelling to England from France, Reuters reported.

"The leaders agreed tackling the threat of irregular migration and small boat crossings is a shared priority that requires shared solutions,"  Starmer's office said.

"The two leaders agreed on the need to go further and make progress on new and innovative solutions, including a new deterrent to break the business model of these gangs."

Such an agreement would help the British leader meet a pledge to stop the flow of tens of thousands of people into Britain from across the Channel.

More than 21,000 migrants have crossed from northern France to southeast England in rudimentary vessels this year as the far right soars in popularity.