- Title: French presidential hopeful Macron campaigns in London
- Date: 22nd February 2017
- Summary: MACRON LEAVING
- Embargoed: 8th March 2017 00:21
- Keywords: Britain London Macron France election rally
- Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
- City: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
- Country: France
- Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
- Reuters ID: LVA00364GTNIF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron held a rally on Tuesday (February 21) in London, home to an estimated 200,000 French nationals, where he used his political inexperience as his strength in the race.
Macron even quoted UK foreign minister Boris Johnson, formerly mayor of London, for saying London was the "sixth French city", referring to the number of French citizens living in the British capital making it the sixth biggest French city on earth.
Macron told British Prime Minister Theresa May earlier on Tuesday that her country should not receive preferential treatment from the European Union after quitting the bloc.
He briefed reporters on their meeting after talks with May at her office, a coup for the young frontrunner who has been seeking to boost his credibility on the world stage.
The 39-year-old former economy minister who resigned from Socialist President Francois Hollande's government is running as an independent. He had previously vowed to be "pretty tough" with Britain over the terms of Brexit.
Macron told reporters that he wanted not only banks but also academics, researchers and talented people in general to return to France, adding that his programme would contain a series of initiatives to attract such people.
He said discussions between the EU and Great Britain must precede any discussions between Great Britain and other member states.
Macron is due to unveil his full electoral programme next week. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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