BRITAIN and France have issued a threat to confront adversaries threatening the “vital interests” of either country with the “strength of the nuclear forces of both nations”.
A new declaration signed by both states sets out that the nuclear weapons of each can be co-ordinated, the first agreement of its kind, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
A statement from the MoD said: “In an important step forward for the UK-France nuclear partnership – a newly signed declaration will state for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be co-ordinated, and that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations.
“As such, any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations. Co-operation between both countries on nuclear research will also deepen, while working together to uphold the international non-proliferation architecture.”
The announcement came on the final day of French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK.
Britain and France will also buy more “highly lethal” Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
Britain has previously sold Storm Shadow missiles, which cost around $1 million each and can break through hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, to Ukraine.
It was reported last year that the missiles were fired into Russia by the Ukrainian military, which was previously against the terms of Britain’s sale to Kyiv.
Britain and France will build up stocks of Storm Shadow missiles, called Scalp in France, while also seeking to find a deep strike and anti-ship replacement, it has been agreed.
Keir Starmer said: “We stand ready to use our shared might to advance our joint capabilities – equipping us for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping our people safe.”
