Starmer and Macron will join forces on nuclear deterrents in cases of extreme threats to Europe
Independent3 days
UK, France Sign Historic Nuclear Coordination Agreement
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in London on July 9, 2025. Image copyright: Alberto Pezzali/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Europe narrative
This nuclear partnership represents essential European leadership as America potentially scales back its continental presence under Trump. The coordinated deterrent sends a clear message to Putin that Europe won't be intimidated, while the missile development creates thousands of jobs and strengthens NATO's eastern flank.
Right narrative
This dangerous escalation risks dragging Britain into France's conflicts while abandoning our independent nuclear deterrent that has kept us safe for decades. It also plasters over the U.K.'s reliance on America and China, without addressing the root cause of Channel crossings, and deeper EU defense integration threatens our post-Brexit sovereignty.