Sir Keir highlighted "the strength of the bond between our countries" as he welcomed Mr Macron to Downing Street. He said the visit was "hugely symbolic of the closeness between our countries and our personal relationship and I'm so delighted to have you here".

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to rule out a wealth tax. The Prime Minister would not deny that he will unleash a levy on the rich at the autumn budget during a PMQs clash yesterday. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned that "investors are fleeing the country" as a result of a potential "tax on aspiration".