Macron thanks London for giving wartime French a voice

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate speech thanking London for giving his Second World War countrymen and women a voice and platform to fight Nazi tyranny.

Mr Macron praised the support the fledgling forces of Free France received from the UK, especially their “first weapon, a BBC microphone” used by General Charles de Gaulle to give his historic address.

The president marked the 80th anniversary of the broadcast, which rallied French people in the aftermath of the occupation of France, by visiting the capital – his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Macron, speaking in French in the shadow of General 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 shadows.

“Because 80 years ago today, on June 18 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.

Mr Macron had been welcomed to Britain for his visit by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who stood nearby. of the

The Red Arrows and French counterparts, La Patrouille de France, in a display

French President Emmanuel Macron with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall