UK, France Agree to Nuclear Deterrence Pact to Defend Europe From Extreme Threats

The pact comes amid a wider push for European nations to boost their defense spending and preparedness.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (R) with the French President Macron (L) at 10 Downing Street in London on July 9, 2025. Alberto Pezzali/PA Wire

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged on July 10 to coordinate their independent nuclear deterrents if needed to defend Europe, the UK government said.

It is the first time that the UK and France—NATO’s only nuclear powers in Europe—have agreed to coordinate their use of nuclear weapons.