May, Macron ink border deal

Sandhurst, Prime Minister Theresa May and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron agreed a new border security deal, through which the UK will pay more to France to stop migrants trying to reach British shores.
May also confirmed the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France, a historic work depicting the Norman conquest of England which she said would come to Britain in 2022 for the first time in over 900 years.
The two leaders, meeting for wide-ranging talks at the Sandhurst military academy near London, agreed that the UK will pay an extra £44.5 million (50 million euros, $62 million) for fencing, CCTV and detection technology in Calais and other Channel ports.
“The further investment we have agreed today will make the UK’s borders even more secure,” May said during a press conference with Macron.
While the two countries cooperate closely in numerous areas, including intelligence and defence, differences over migration have often strained ties. The money is on top of more than £100 million already paid by Britain, following a request by Macron to contribute more cash.
At a press conference, May said she was “honoured” by the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry and the French President added he hoped it would open “a new chapter” for cultural and scientific co-operation.
“We are somehow making a new tapestry together,” Macron said, rejecting any suggestion that it was intended to remind Britain of a victorious France.
The loan has been met with opposition by French experts who have warned about the delicate state of the 70-metre (230 ft) long embroidery.
The tapestry, which shows the English King Harold being killed by an arrow in the eye at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is believed to have been created within years of the battle. The leaders capped the summit at an evening reception at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, where they spoke of celebrating the two countries’ shared history and values.
The UK-France summit came as Britain tries to strengthen bilateral ties before leaving the European Union in March 2019.
While Brexit was not scheduled for formal discussion, Macron said Britain’s decision to leave the European Union would lead to some “short-term uncertainties”.