Jersey young leaders meet President Macron in UK

Three young leaders from a Jersey programme aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and France have met President Emanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Jersey's Franco-British Council (FBC) young leaders James Linder, Victor Guerin and local leader Alexander Lake met the two men at a three-day seminar in the UK.

At the event, France announced it would be loaning more than 900 years after its creation.

Policy discussions were also held, designed to "help shape the future of Franco‑British relations".

Discussions focused on defence, climate cooperation, science and technology and cross‑Channel migration.

Mr Linder said it was a "great experience to represent Jersey".

He said: "Meeting President Macron and hearing Prime Minister Starmer speak was a real honour, and I enjoyed being part of discussions on the big challenges facing Europe.

"It is a brilliant opportunity for people from the island to get involved, build connections, and make a difference."

The young leaders attended following the FBC's recent signing of a five-year partnership for the Government of Jersey aimed at providing "dedicated opportunities for islanders to join Franco-British Council programmes".

Mr Guerin said exchanging cultural diplomacy helped "shape our shared future".

He said: "The highlight for me has been witnessing the signature of the historic agreement for the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum - a moment that embodies the evolving dialogue between France and the UK.

"Cultural exchange is not peripheral to diplomacy, it is its living heart."