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UK-France Relations
14 January 2026
Lead MP
Chris Murray
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Lab
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
Tags
Migrants & BordersEconomyBrexit
Word Count: 4350
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Chris Murray raised concerns about uk-france relations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for continued cooperation in defence, technology, and addressing issues such as migration and disinformation online.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The UK-France relationship has faced challenges due to Brexit but is now moving forward with purpose. The strategic alignment of interests between the two countries is crucial for both security and economic growth.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
Urges continued work from summits on AI and technology to address disinformation online and the challenges of artificial intelligence.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
My hon. Friend welcomed the new entente amicale between the UK and France, celebrating bilingual schools such as Fulham Bilingual school which fosters cultural understanding.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Emphasises the importance of forging relationships between UK and French MPs and welcomes progress on reinstating Erasmus+ programme.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Calls for a SAFE—Security Action for Europe—deal to ensure UK participation in common European defence, reflecting on his constituency's historical connection with Free French forces during WWII.
Edward Argar
Con
Melton and Syston
The right hon. Gentleman called for recognition of the UK and France's historical ties and praised the diplomatic teams in both countries' embassies.
James Duddridge
Con
Rochford and Southend East
Inquired about the progress of the UK-France nuclear co-operation, particularly the work of the new steering group.
Jeremy Quince
Lab
Dover
Asked about the impact of small boat crossings from Calais to Dover and how the joint migration agreement will address the issue.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlights the historical importance of UK-France relations despite past conflicts, emphasizing the need for cooperation in cross-channel trade, immigration crossings, and national security requirements.
Highlights the need for the UK to relearn strategic culture from France post-Suez lessons, suggesting mutual learning opportunities in government structures.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Supports the lead MP's emphasis on working together against Russian sub-threshold activity through joint National Security Council meetings.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
The hon. Member highlighted the Festival Interceltique de Lorient's focus on Cornish identity this year, emphasising the role of cultural enterprises in strengthening UK-France relations.
Cotswold
Discussed the deep defence relationship between UK and France, highlighting recent agreements on deploying forces to Ukraine.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
The hon. Gentleman discussed the importance of tourism, mentioning town twinning organisations like Harrogate International Partnerships that support cultural exchange.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
The hon. Member raised concerns about the impact of immigration policies on French nationals in Hampstead and Highgate, especially regarding childcare responsibilities affecting settlement timelines.
Government Response
Mr Hamish Falconer
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Acknowledges the deep shared history between the UK and France, including values, trade, cultural links, and international partnerships. Emphasises the Government's prioritisation of resetting relations with European partners since coming to power, highlighting France as central to this effort. Reaffirmed the commitment to bilateral defence and security cooperation under the Lancaster House treaties, including strengthening co-operation on illegal migration and addressing criminal gangs responsible for small boat crossings. Discussed progress on nuclear co-operation through the new UK-France nuclear steering group.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.