Number 10 said the prime minister had a “constructive” conversation that lasted about half an hour with the French leader but focused on energy security rather than the two main points of contention. The pair held their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a United Nations summit in New York after Ms Truss sparked controversy by refusing to say whether the French leader was “friend or foe” – instead saying “the jury is out”. . In a softening of the tone in UK-France relations, a Number 10 spokesman said the two leaders were “looking forward” to strengthening their partnership. A spokesman said: “As our people face a difficult winter with huge uncertainty over energy supplies and the cost of living, the Prime Minister and President Macron have underlined the importance of working together to end dependence on Russian energy and strengthen energy security. security. “We must continue to prove to Putin that his economic blackmail of energy and food supplies will not succeed.” Mr Macron reportedly welcomed their talks on Ukraine and other European issues, saying: “I now believe in proof, in results. “There is a will to re-engage, to move forward and to show that we are allies and friends in a complex world.” But Ms Truss’ official spokesman confirmed they did not discuss the controversial post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland or migrant crossings by small boats. Asked about the Channel crossings, the spokesman insisted that Rwanda’s stalled policy is the “long-term solution” to the problem. On the protocol, the spokesman said: “We have the bill going through Parliament and we want to resolve it with the EU, this is not an issue that we necessarily think can be resolved through a single EU country.” He would not say whether Ms Truss would raise the protocol with the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:06 “If you are unable between the French and the British to tell whether you are friend or foe, we are headed for serious trouble However, the White House said Joe Biden would raise it in his meeting with Ms Truss tomorrow. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US president “will encourage the UK and the European Union to work out a practical outcome that will ensure there is no threat to the fundamental principles of the Good Friday Agreement”. Tomorrow’s meeting comes after President Biden criticized the economic policies supported by Mrs Truss – although Downing Street stressed it was not aimed at her. In a tweet on Tuesday, the US President said: “I am sick and tired of the financial crisis. It never worked. “We are building an economy from the bottom up and from the middle out.” Image: Liz Truss meets Emmanuel Macron Read more: Truss set to become unpopular PM to boost economic growth UK to match military aid spent on Ukraine next year, pledges Liz Truss Liz Truss admits trade deal U.K. .-USA could be years away Shortly before tweeting, Ms Truss admitted her tax cuts would disproportionately benefit the rich – but said she was willing to be an unpopular prime minister to take measures she believed would grow the economy. While President Biden’s criticism was certainly aimed at a domestic audience, it highlighted the differences between the two leaders’ positions, just as Ms. Truss says she wants to cultivate closer ties with international allies. But Downing Street downplayed the remarks on Tuesday night. Ms Truss’s spokesman said: ‘Any suggestion that it is in any way a direct criticism of UK policy would be ludicrous. “No two economies are structured the same way, each has unique challenges.”
