Sunak and Macron must navigate boat issues to reset Anglo-French relations

Channel crossings and Aukus pact will be central to talks that could also improve Britain’s standing with the EU

The attempt by Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron to reset the Anglo-French relationship on Friday is not just important bilaterally, but also in terms of Britain’s relationship with the EU.

The French president, a gatekeeper to improved relations, sees the British prime minister’s efforts to resolve the Northern Ireland trade issues as a signal Britain is in the hands of a fellow technocratic nationalist, and that its brush with populism may be over.