Anglo-French defence agreement hailed by leaders

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy adopted a notably different tone as they both hailed a landmark 50-year Anglo-French treaty on defence and security, including a shared aircraft carrier group, a 10,000-strong joint expeditionary force and development of joint nuclear testing facilities.

The deal has in part been forced on the two countries as they confront tightening defence budgets, but also reflects a new level of mutual trust largely prompted by Sarkozy's willingness to reintegrate France into the Nato command structure. The agreement required intensive explanation to Washington, but has won Pentagon agreement on the basis that Britain would remain dependent on US nuclear technology.

At a joint London press conference at Lancaster House, the prime minister stressed that the agreement strengthened British sovereignty by cutting unnecessary defence costs, and would not prevent Britain acting independently.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/nov/02/anglo-french-defence-agreement

[AzNick]

1. Thus starts the deNATO-ification of Europe

Thanks, Europe. You'll help us decrease our military budget.

[Johnyawl]

2. And about damn time, too!

Europe is quite capable of defending themselves fom the threats that exist in todays world. We don't need troops, or bases in Europe.