A photograph was published showing Sir Keir and Mr Macron warmly shaking hands. Photo: Laurent Blevennec/Presidence de la Republique
Emmanuel Macron believes Sir Keir Starmer has the «moral authority» to be prime minister, a senior French source familiar with the pair's private meeting in Paris on Tuesday told The Telegraph.
The French President was impressed that the Labor leader did this. not to make demands on issues such as Brexit or migration during a rare meeting between a national leader and the head of a foreign political opposition.
Mr Macron's comments came as ministers from France and Germany unveiled a proposal for Great Britain. accept “associate membership” of the European Union.
Under plans for a four-tier EU, the UK will return to the single market, contribute to the bloc's budget and be subject to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
After a meeting with Sir Keir, who preferred to discuss «core issues» such as the transatlantic relationship rather than Brexit, a senior French source said: «It's interesting that he (Starmer) presented himself differently and did not come across as a carpet salesman , advertising his own, agreed with Macron on cooperation. This is in his favor.
“This was Starmer's attempt to establish himself as a real potential leader who tackles the major issues of the day. That's what Starmer was looking for and (Macron) gave him the impression that he could belong to the club.»
The source added: «Starmer came across as a man of great integrity, with a certain moral authority.
Sir Keir said: “We had a very constructive and positive meeting which, as you understand, covered a wide range of issues.”
“This was my first opportunity to say how much I value the relationship between our two countries. especially when it comes to prosperity and security, and how, if we are privileged enough to be elected to power, we intend to develop this relationship and achieve it even stronger than today.»
Sir Keir gave Macron an Arsenal shirt with Macron's image and the number 25 on the back, while the Labor leader received cufflinks with the logo of the French Republic. Photo: Laurent Blevennec/Presidence de la Republique
The optimistic assessment will please Sir Keir's team after he and Mr Macron spoke for 45 minutes, capping a three-stop international trip that has bolstered his global reputation.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair used his EU contacts to help arrange the meeting, according to Macron's report. Daily Mail, citing Whitehall sources.
Sir Tony has not commented on the Daily Mail's report on reports that he helped arrange the meeting.
Sir Keir and Mr Macron spoke about Donald Trump, the former US president seeking to return to the White House in next year's US elections, as well as Ukraine and energy security.
The renegotiation of the Brexit deal, which Sir Keir wants in 2025 if it reaches Downing Street, was not discussed in detail, nor was the small craft crisis.
There was also an exchange of gifts. Sir Keir gave Mr Macron an Arsenal shirt with Macron's image on it and the number 25 on the back (he is the 25th president of France), while the Labor leader received cufflinks with the logo of the French Republic.
Mr Macron's readiness to welcome Sir Keir to the French presidential palace, was famous for the published photo of them warmly shaking hands.
The French president has had a rocky relationship with Boris Johnson, one of the leading figures in the implementation of Brexit, which has destabilized the EU. when they were colleagues.
Mr Macron's team once accused Mr Johnson of diplomacy on Twitter when the then prime minister published a list of demands to tackle the small boat crisis, one of a series of public spat.
Relations between Mr Sunak and Mr Macron are noticeably warmer in public, with both speaking of cooperation, with an agreement to limit Channel crossings between them.
'Capacity to be a leader'
A senior French source familiar with the discussions told the Telegraph: 'The purpose of the meeting was to show (Starmer) was capable of being a leader.
“(Macron) was very surprised… They really focused the meeting on big issues rather than small ones. They were discussing transatlantic relations and how the UK positions itself vis-à-vis the US, they were talking about China and changes to global trade rather than what has been in the press in recent days about cherry picking and how to renegotiate post-Brexit . Trade and Cooperation Agreement.»
This comes after the European ministers of France and Germany proposed a four-tier European Union to integrate countries that are «unwilling and/or unable to join the EU in the foreseeable future.»
Under plans Commissioned by Laurence Boone and Anna Luhrmann, the UK could be invited into the third tier as an “associate member” of the EU.
“Associate members will not be bound by “even closer union” and further integration. They will also not engage in deeper political integration in other policy areas such as justice and home affairs or EU citizenship,” says the report, commissioned by two influential EU capitals.
The countries are expected to who choose to join as associate members will contribute to the EU budget and be subject to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
“The main requirement will be the obligation to comply with common EU rules. principles and values, including democracy and the rule of law,” the report said.
“The cost of participation will be the Single Market.”
Rewrite the existing Brexit deal
A Labor Party spokesman said: “Labour will look for a better deal for Britain. This does not imply any form of membership.»
Earlier this week, Sir Keir pledged to seek a «closer trading relationship» with the EU if Labor wins the next generation election, saying he would seek to rewrite the existing Brexit Agreement when it is reviewed in 2025.
Sir Tony Blair said there was scope for deeper cooperation with the EU in areas such as innovation, science and energy, but rejected the possibility of a quick return.
He told Bloomberg: “If we will get to the stage where the UK rejoins the European Union, I think that is a matter of the future. Returning to the country is a very difficult negotiation.»
The visit to Paris follows Sir Keir's meeting with Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, over the weekend and a visit to The Hague last week to unveil his plan to cut English Channel.
On Wednesday, Macron will receive the king and queen, who are making their first state visit to France since it was postponed in March amid violent protests over the president's pension reform.
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