BRITAIN will sign a deal with France to co-ordinate nuclear strikes in the event of World War Three.
It is the first time Paris has signalled its nukes could be used to help an ally.
In a chilling warning to Russia, London said: “There is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations.”
The MoD said: “Any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations.”
The MoD said the two nations will “work more closely than ever before on nuclear deterrence”.
The deal means London and Paris could agree to blitz different targets or deliberately double up to overwhelm an enemy’s defences.
The MoD said: “A newly signed declaration will state for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be co-ordinated.”
PM Sir Kier Starmer said the world was facing “new nuclear risks”.
He said: “From war in Europe, to new nuclear risks and daily cyber-attacks – the threats we face are multiplying.”
Britain has committed its nuclear deterrent to Nato – which means it could use its Trident 2 nuclear missiles to defend an ally if attacked.
The UK’s nuclear missiles are carried on Vanguard class submarines and there is always one at sea, known as the Continous At Sea Deterrent, ready to launch at short notice.
Both nations agreed to buy more bunker busting Storm Shadow missiles, which Ukraine has used to blitz Russian warships and command posts.
EPABritain will sign a deal with France to co-ordinate nuclear strikes in the event of World War Three[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
