LONDON, July 10 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Britain and France have signed a new deal to allow the two countries to co-ordinate their nuclear deterrents for the first time.
Standing along with French President Emmanuel Macron during a joint press conference in a military base in Northwood near London, Starmer said the two countries have signed the Northwood Declaration, aimed at showing adversaries that any attack will result in a response from both nations.
For his part, Macron, who will conclude his three-day state visit later Thursday, highlighted the importance of defense and security cooperation between the two countries, noting that times have changed in Europe and the Britain-France partnership "must change accordingly."
Both nations must confront a major conflict in Europe, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, said Macron, adding that Europe must be able to rely on the strategic collaboration between Britain and France, the only two nuclear powers in Europe.
A statement by Downing Street underscored the "extreme threat to Europe" that would prompt a response by both nations. "Any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations," it said.
Meanwhile, Britain and France plan to order more highly lethal Storm Shadow cruise missiles while stepping up the replacement of arms depots as part of a refreshed agreement, according to the statement. Enditem
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