Britain and France have publicly committed for the first time to coordinating their independent nuclear deterrents in response to extreme threats, signalling a new phase in bilateral and NATO nuclear strategy.

The joint declaration, signed during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to London, affirms that the UK and France maintain sovereign nuclear arsenals but are now prepared to align them in the event of a major crisis. It states unequivocally that “any extreme threat to Europe would prompt a response by both nations.”

The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.

The Prime Minister will announce at the NATO summit tomorrow [Wednesday] that the UK intends to buy at least a dozen of the dual capable aircraft, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.

The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.

New Submarine Availability Support Hub will support 100 new jobs, boost engineering capabilities and deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.

Sir Keir Starmer will commit to building a submarine every 18 months in the most significant defence upgrade since Cold War.

Britain will build a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines to “face down” Russian aggression...