Farage and Bardella seek show of unity despite immigration policy differences

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, are set to jointly present a proposal aimed at curbing cross-Channel migration at the Reform UK party congress in Birmingham.

The two politicians have been described as a "populist odd couple" attempting to project unity even as differences over immigration policy persist between them. While both parties campaign on stricter migration control, their approaches to tackling the issue diverge in ways that could complicate genuine cooperation going forward.

Bardella expands his international role

Alongside his engagement with Farage, Bardella has recently embarked on an international tour aimed at reassuring investors who are concerned about National Rally's economic platform. This outreach suggests Bardella may be taking on a broader role within the French far-right movement, extending beyond his current position as party president.

The planned joint appearance in Birmingham is seen as an attempt to strengthen ties between Europe's far-right forces on the immigration issue. Observers note, however, that actual cooperation between the two parties may prove more difficult than the public display of unity suggests.