Macron’s thank you to Britain ahead of talks with PM over travel
French president Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate speech yesterday thanking London for giving his Second World War countrymen and women a voice and platform to fight Nazi tyranny.
Mr Macron praised the supportthefledglingforcesoffree France received from the UK, especially their “first weapon, a BBC microphone” used by General Charles de Gaulle to give his historic address.
The French president and Boris Johnson were due to hold bilateral talks last night to discuss the coronavirus crisis and other issues, with the Prime Minister indicating he would raise travel between the UK and France at the meeting.
Mr Macron marked the 80th anniversary of the broadcast, which rallied French people in the aftermath of the occupation of France, by visiting London – his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak. He arrived in his official plane – a Dassault Falcon 7X – decorated in the national colours of France at RAF Northolt in west London.
Mr Macron, speaking in French in the shadow of de Gaulle’s statue in Carlton Gardens in central London, where the Free French had their headquarters, said: “Yes, Britain gave shelter to France. This is where de Gaulle was able to form the first ranks of the French army which would go on fighting. The soldiers of London.
“This is where de Gaulle was able to call on the French people to join the resistance. The soldiers of the shadows.
“Because 80 years ago today, on 18 June 1940, the United Kingdom gave Free France its first weapon, a BBC microphone.
“So the airwaves carried de Gaulle’s determined words and spirit of resistance, which built a bridge across the Channel
for those refusing to be enslaved or give up their freedom.”
Behind the president was the framed insignia of France’s highest decoration,the Legion d’honneur, awarded to London for its support of France during the Second World War.
Mr Macron had been welcomed to Britain for his brief visit by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who stood nearby.
Listening to the open-air address were French and British dignitaries including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and London mayor Sadiq Khan.
After the national anthems of France and the UK were played, Guard Commander Major Piers Gambarini invited Mr Macron to inspect the servicemen and he was accompanied by Prince Charles, with the two men sheltered under umbrellas.