"Macron lacks Starmer's enthusiasm in small boats agreement"

Nigel Farage was pleased with his fortunes. Another clear, sunny day. The sea was calm. What better way to spend his time than to head out on the water and record himself for social media? This was the world as he saw it—a small inflatable boat filled with unauthorized migrants, accompanied first by French naval forces, then by UK border officials.

Farage wouldn’t have had it any other way. Each successful crossing fueled his grievances and bolstered his support. He would have been disappointed if French authorities had taken stronger action to prevent the crossings. It would have left him searching for a cause. But for Keir Starmer, who was in the middle of negotiating a migration agreement with Emmanuel Macron, the sight of another arriving boat was far from ideal.

When an international news conference is delayed, it usually means one thing: one side is dissatisfied with the terms and is pushing for a better outcome. Pleading, bargaining—anything to secure a result worth announcing. Otherwise, the entire affair feels like a letdown. After all the effort, the formalities, the state dinners, the privilege of addressing parliament—what would it all mean without something substantial to show for it?

The event at the Northwood headquarters, marking the conclusion of the Anglo-French summit and Macron’s three-day state visit, was initially set for 3:30 p.m. That time passed with no appearance from either leader. Then came word that it would start at 4:00 p.m.—they would surely be ready by then. More time slipped away. One could almost imagine Starmer saying, "Come on, Emmanuel, I need more than this."

The next deadline, 4:20 p.m., also came and went. Finally, at 4:30 p.m.—an hour late—both men emerged. Presumably, Macron had made it clear that no better deal was possible. Starmer would have to accept the terms already leaked by the French the night before. And if he didn’t proceed with the press conference now, he would be facing the cameras alone—Macron had a flight to catch.

Starmer spoke first, attempting a cheerful demeanor. He insisted the visit had been a triumph, regardless of agreements on minor issues. The essence, he said, was in the camaraderie between two global leaders—Europe's only nuclear-armed allies and close friends. On that front, everything had gone perfectly. He lamented Macron’s departure, wishing the visit could have lasted longer. Macron nodded modestly.

Then Starmer turned to specifics. He began with the migration deal, describing a groundbreaking pilot program of unprecedented scope—though he avoided mentioning exact figures.