French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he believes Labour leader Keir Starmer has the moral authority to form the next government.
Starmer met with Macron in Paris yesterday.
According to The Telegraph:
The French president was impressed that the Labour leader did not make demands on issues such as Brexit or migration during the rare meeting of a national leader with the head of a foreign nation’s political opposition.
Mr Macron’s comments came as French and German ministers unveiled a proposal for the UK to take up “associate membership” of the European Union.
Under the plans for a four-tier EU, the UK would return to the single market, contribute to the bloc’s budget and be governed by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
Following the meeting with Sir Keir, who chose to discuss “major issues” such as the Transatlantic relationship rather than Britain’s exit from the EU, a senior French source said: “It’s interesting that he (Starmer) positioned himself differently and didn’t come over like a carpet salesman touting his wares with Macron on cooperation. It’s a point in his favour.
“This was an attempt by Starmer to impose himself as a true potential leader who manages the major issues of the day. That’s what Starmer came looking for and (Macron) gave him the impression that he could belong to the club.”
The source added: “Starmer came across as being someone very upright with a form of moral authority.”
Sir Keir said: “We had a very constructive and positive meeting, which as you can imagine covered a wide range of issues.
“It was my first opportunity to say how much I value the relationship between our two countries, particularly when it comes to prosperity and security and how, if we are privileged enough to be elected into power, we intend to build on that relationship and make it even stronger than it is today.”
