Macron visits UK to rally French expats
French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron will address supporters in London on Tuesday.
First-round polling data suggests that Macron’s support has dropped to 20%, level with conservative candidate Francois Fillon and trailing nationalist Marine Le Pen by six points. Despite this, both Fillon and Macron are predicted to beat the populist in a second-round vote, with pollsters giving Macron the better odds.
As a staunchly pro-Europe candidate, Mr Macron champions a hardline approach towards Brexit negotiations, a view he’s expected to bring to London on Tuesday. In particular, the Frenchman believes the UK shouldn’t expect special favours as it exits the EU and has ruled out the possibility of single market access, as well as access for London-based financial institutions.
Indeed, while Macron’s UK visit on Tuesday will be friendly, his election could be bad news for Theresa May’s government. She’ll be hoping for the similarly conservative, pro-business Fillon to ease the UK’s exit from the bloc.