As we commemorate the 120th year anniversary of the signing of the L’Entente Cordiale between the United Kingdom and France, it is a time to consider what it was that allowed our two nations to put aside our age-old differences, colonial rivalries and ideological divisions. It was our joint commitment to the tenets of Western civilisation from which both of our nations and culture have sprung. Throughout the centuries, our paths have been interwoven, whether through our common beginnings as provinces of the Roman Empire; the rule of England, Ireland and a majority of France by the Dukes of Normandy and the Angevin Kings; the bonds forged through royal marriages; and camaraderie during two world wars and a number of conflicts since, our historic ties remain as steadfast as ever. Also our people to people links have been steadfast over the centuries - my family is testament to that descended from Huguenots who came to England from France. Today, let us reaffirm our dedication to the values and principles that unite us as allies - branches of the same tree - and partners in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for all our peoples on both sides of the English Channel.
Here, I am pictured in October 2023 with Laetitia Saint-Paul, Member of the National Assembly for Maine-et-Loire's 4th constituency, in a preliminary celebration of the 120th year anniversary of the L'Entente Cordiale.
