Macron's Gift Sends a Message

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00:00But Gemma, there we are, Macron, he was looking quite smiley, cracking a few jokes.

00:05He's cute.

00:05Yeah, he's cute, we like Macron.

00:08Well, Gemma does, I don't really.

00:09But what do you make of Macron's announcement and loan of this tapestry?

00:15I mean, as far as taking a gift with you goes, it's pretty impressive.

00:19You know, most people turn up...

00:21But you don't pack it in a suitcase.

00:21Yeah, exactly.

00:22It has to be...

00:23And I've got you this.

00:24Out of my hand luggage.

00:26Most people bring chocolates or some flowers.

00:30No, he's turned up with this, you know, 11th century tapestry.

00:34And what I very much enjoyed about this, whether he intended it or not,

00:39I mean, obviously the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Norman invasion of Britain,

00:43so like a French military battle, a victory as well.

00:48And he's like, here you go, please display this in the country that we invaded and defeated.

00:53So, you know, fair play, Macron, I respect it.

00:56Obviously, in exchange, Britain is sending some treasures to France as well.

01:01So I feel that this visit by Macron, which is the first state visit by a European leader post-Brexit,

01:11it really is solidifying the relationship between France and the UK.

01:17We talk a lot and we hear a lot about the special relationship between the US and the UK.

01:23But we do overlook the fact that France is Britain's closest neighbours in Europe,

01:29one of their oldest allies.

01:32And I do feel that this visit, and especially his relationship with Starmer,

01:37because he famously didn't have a great relationship with Boris Johnson or Liz Truss,

01:40I really feel that this is solidifying a relationship.

01:44All the rhetoric around it has been very positive.

01:46Everyone seems to be on the same page.

01:48I think it's a really good visit.

01:49I think they're going to get a lot out of it.