Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and National Rally president Jordan Bardella have forged a new UK France pact, signing a memorandum of understanding to address illegal small boat crossings. The agreement was unveiled at Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham. Both leaders envision a “new entente cordiale” if their parties win upcoming national elections.
The core pledge involves a commitment to collaborate on returning migrants to France. Mr. Farage declared the document a “historic” step designed to “stop the boats forever.” He expressed hope that France, under Mr. Bardella’s potential leadership, would genuinely commit to preventing departures.
Mr. Bardella, a prominent figure in the French far-right, described this UK France pact as “the beginning of co-operation.” He promised that France would no longer serve as “the gateway for illegal migration into the UK” if National Rally leader Marine Le Pen becomes president in 2027. Furthermore, he stressed the need to end “deadly routes” and dismantle the smuggler business model. He added that both nations must regain control of their borders.
Mr. Farage echoed this sentiment, suggesting the agreement would inaugurate a “genuine new entente cordiale” between their respective parties and nations. The Reform UK leader explicitly referenced early 20th-century Anglo-French accords. He highlighted the strong future ties expected with Mr. Bardella’s party following electoral victories.
National Rally has consistently led French opinion polls for over a year. Mr. Bardella is widely considered a rising star within the party. He previously offered strong support for Marine Le Pen’s 2027 presidential candidacy.
In an unexpected aside, Mr. Farage also hinted at the potential repatriation of Napoleon III’s body to France. The former French president and emperor died in exile in the United Kingdom in 1873. He is currently buried in Farnborough. While acknowledging potential legal hurdles, Mr. Farage remarked, “If they want him, I think they can have him.”
