Statement by the United Kingdom on UK-France nuclear policy and cooperation

At the UK-France Summit last year, and through the Northwood Declaration, we agreed concrete steps to further strengthen our nuclear co-operation with France.

The UK and France are both resolved to deter threats against Europe and will not be intimidated by Russian nuclear rhetoric.

The UK’s nuclear deterrent remains declared to the defence of NATO and our NATO Allies. Our mutual collaboration with France strengthens our existing commitments to our Allies in an uncertain and dangerous world.

We strongly welcome the proposals set out by President Macron on Monday 2 March 2026 to enhance their nuclear posture and cooperate more closely with Allies on nuclear issues.

Background

• The UK-France Summit in July 2025 established the UK-France Nuclear Steering Group to provide political direction for bilateral nuclear cooperation, led by the Presidency of the French Republic and the UK Cabinet Office. Its role is to coordinate across policy, capability and operations and to give effect to the commitments made as part of the confidential Letter of Intent signed between the two leaders. Northwood Declaration

• The first UK-France Nuclear Steering Group took place on 9/10 December 2025. The programme included for the first time a visit by senior UK officials to Exercise POKER, one of the regular demonstrations of France’s Strategic Nuclear Air Component, where they were [hosted in one of the E3-D Sentry Command and Control Aircraft] and participated in discussions of UK-French deterrence policy and capabilities. NSG Press Release