VerbatimParliament, as it happens

France: Military Alliances

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 21 July 2025UIN 67018

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what sources he consulted for the conclusion that the UK and France's nuclear deterrents will remain independent under the UK-France Nuclear Partnership.

Answered by Maria Eagle

Our nuclear deterrent has always been and continues to be completely operationally independent, with only the Prime Minister being able to authorise the use of our nuclear weapons. In line with the Northwood Declaration on 10 July, the UK and France each retain the ability to act independently of each other but can coordinate our nuclear deterrents should the situation demand it.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim