Britain and France can forge an 'entente formidable', says Brown

Published on Thursday 27 March 2008 21:04

BRITAIN'S relationship with France can become an "entente formidable", Gordon Brown said yesterday, as the two countries pledged to work together on immigration, defence and the economy.

The Prime Minister's remarks came at the end of a two-day state visit by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, and his new wife, Carla Bruni.

Mr Brown said he believed the visit signified "a new stage in the dynamic relationship between Britain and France", with progress also made on Afghanistan and climate change.

"We believe that, working together, France and Britain can be an even greater force for good, so, if you like, this will be the entente formidable," he said.

However, an anticipated partnership to build a new generation of nuclear power stations failed to materialise, with Downing Street saying speculation of a deal being struck had been over-egged. Instead, the two countries will merely "share information" on nuclear safety, security and waste management.

There was disagreement over the Olympics, with Mr Sarkozy warning that he could yet boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games in protest at China's involvement in Tibet.

With France due to hold the rotating European Union presidency this summer, this could even develop into an EU-wide snub.

"Depending on how the situation is looking at the time, I reserve the right to say whether I will attend the opening ceremony," the president said.

However, Mr Brown, while supporting calls for "restraint and dialogue" in Tibet, flatly ruled out a UK boycott, saying: "We will not be boycotting the Olympic Games. Britain will be attending the Olympic Games ceremony."

Mr Sarkozy said he had been "deeply moved" by the reception his wife had received, after negative coverage of their relationship in France.

"So much has been said and so much has been written, and I am proud that people have seen her for what she is," he said. "I think she has been an honour to our country, and not just because of the way she looks."

Speaking with Mr Brown at a news conference at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium – chosen for security reasons and because Arsne Wenger's team symbolise a UK-French success story – Mr Sarkozy said he anticipated a positive long-term relationship with Britain.

"It is not simply a matter of a one-night stand. I believe that we can go into next-day breakfast as well," he said.

Other matters included in a communiqu signed yesterday include moves to reform the G8 group of nations to recognise the rise of countries such as China, India and Brazil. More work will also be done to tackle poverty and war in Africa and to get every African child into school by 2015.

The two nations vowed to stay in Afghanistan "as long as necessary" and to co-operate on counter-terrorism, especially threats to the Channel Tunnel. There will be enhanced border controls at Calais and a French promise of no replacement for the Sangatte migrants' centre, which was the focus of illegal attempts to enter the UK.

The Prime Minister welcomed Mr Sarkozy's promise to send more troops to Afghanistan, while stressing the need for "greater burden-sharing" by other Nato members when they meet next month for a summit in Bucharest.

On Wednesday, Mr Sarkozy had pledged to send more French troops to Afghanistan, if Nato allies offered Afghans more responsibility and better co-ordinated non-military efforts. "We cannot afford to lose Afghanistan," he said.