Is it time for the UK to reset its relationship with France?

The conditions for doing so are considerably more propitious than in the recent past, writes Mary Dejevsky

Sunak has considerably more in common – in career history, manner and character – with Macron than his immediate predecessors (PA)

Quietly and carefully the stage has been set for the opening of a new era in UK-French relations. You may have noted the amiable sounds that have come from Paris in recent days, with French presidential sources speaking of “the beginning of a beautiful, renewed friendship”.

Similar mood music has been wafting in the opposite direction. As you may also have noted, the tabling of new legislation designed to address small boat crossings has largely avoided blaming the French, at least in official pronouncements. Oh yes, and school trips, it appears, will also become easier.

In other words, there has been a lot of diplomatic preparation for the day-long meeting between Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron – the first top-level UK-French meeting for five years. And the results will doubtless be reflected in the official communique and the obligatory press conference.