British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated, “This morning, we signed the Northwood declaration, confirming our coordination of independent nuclear deterrence for the first time. Our adversaries will now know that any extreme threat to the continent will result in a joint response from our nations.”
The questioning of NATO burden-sharing and US-Russia relations by President Donald Trump has raised concerns in Europe about the trans-Atlantic relationship and US commitment to European defense.
The US has traditionally provided Europe’s primary nuclear deterrence, but Macron and Starmer’s agreement signifies a step towards greater European autonomy in defense matters.
Macron emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts between France and Britain, creating an oversight committee to oversee their cooperation. This move aims to send a clear message to both allies and potential adversaries.
While maintaining their own decision-making processes and strategic ambiguity, the increased cooperation between France and Britain offers added protection for Europe at a time of uncertainty.
France spends billions annually on its nuclear arsenal, while Britain’s nuclear program is operationally independent but relies on US support for technology and maintenance.
Starmer hailed the agreement as “truly historic,” highlighting the significance of the strengthened cooperation between the two European powers.
