Latest news with #Anglo-French
Euractiv
3 days ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
Germany, UK pledge to coordinate on nuclear deterrence, security in landmark treaty
The joint pledge aligns with Merz's controversial push to extend the Anglo-French nuclear deterrent to the rest of Europe. Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Nick Alipour Euractiv Jul 17, 2025 13:29 3 min. read News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a landmark friendship treaty on Thursday, which will see the two countries collaborate more closely on security matters, including on nuclear deterrence. The signing in London crowns a diplomatic effort that began last summer when Starmer and Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, announced that they would seek to sign the countries' first-ever bilateral friendship treaty. The endeavour, which they said would cover the "full bandwidth of the relationship" has been compared to the wide-ranging Treaty of Aachen, the friendship treaty signed by Germany and France in 2019. The final text – dubbed the Kensington Treaty – puts security at the heart of the relationship, building on last year's Trinity House Agreement. Both the UK and European countries have sought closer cooperation after Brexit and in the face of America's potential withdrawal from Europe's security architecture. Among the most eye-catching provisions is the pledge that both Berlin and London would "pursue deep exchanges" and "a close dialogue" on defence and strategic security policy, including on "nuclear issues" and "nuclear threats." The vow aligns with Merz's push to discuss the extension of the Franco-British nuclear deterrence to the rest of Europe, which remains controversial in pacifist-leaning Germany. Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron said in May that they would create a high-level Franco-German security council, where such topics would be discussed. The German-British treaty also establishes annual strategic dialogues to be held between the countries' foreign ministers and senior officials to discuss security issues. Moreover, it includes a mutual assistance clause, which will "complement and strengthen" the mutual assistance clauses that are established by NATO and existing bilateral treaties between Germany, Britain, and France, a German government source said on Monday. The new treaty will complete the triangle of large-scale treaties between the three countries, which are also known as the E3. A senior EU diplomat said the point of such agreements and formats was "to strengthen the individual threads within the web of European relations," some of which had been severed by the UK's exit from the EU. Aside from security, the countries also commit to cooperating on fighting migrant smuggling, on limiting the increase of global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and on youth exchanges. The British government had been particularly keen for the treaty to reflect its focus on growth and trade, as a UK government source told Euractiv, although the treaty was somewhat limited by EU competences in this area. The treaty's future had been intermittently in limbo, however, after the collapse of Germany's government last year, prompting negotiations to be halted. Talks resumed after Merz's inauguration with a review of the existing text and some "resharpening," especially on security, the government source said. Both sides were closing in on a signing just one month into Merz's term, as was first reported by Euractiv. The text still has to be ratified by the German Bundestag. (mm)
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Britain-France nuclear accord is truly historic
'Someone to talk to.' That is how McGeorge Bundy, President John F. Kennedy's national security adviser, described the Anglo-American alliance. The 'Special Relationship,' the exceptionally close collaboration forged during the most desperate days of the Second World War, has proven remarkably durable. By contrast, relations between France and the United States have often proven extremely difficult and challenging. This was especially the case during the Kennedy administration, when Washington's promotion of an increasingly integrated Atlantic alliance collided directly with the extreme independent nationalism of France's imperious President Charles de Gaulle. Contrasting, sometimes conflicting, worldviews have continued to characterize our two nations. 'Brexit' — the lengthy, complex, sometimes tortured divorce of Britain from the European Union, following the surprise result of a 2016 referendum — left painful scars in that nation's relations with the rest of Europe. In this context, the Anglo-French agreement of July 11 to develop close cooperation in nuclear weapons strategy assumes considerable importance. The accord was the capstone of the three-day visit of President Emmanuel Macron of France to Britain. The bilateral security agreement simultaneously reflects both the direct threat of wider European war as a result of Russia's continuing costly invasion of Ukraine, and insecurity across the board about the reliability of the United States as an ally during the unpredictable second term of President Donald Trump. The nuclear dimension from the start of the atomic age defined in important ways U.S. relations with other nations, especially principal allies. From the beginning of the Manhattan Project to develop an atomic bomb, Britain along with Canada was a close partner of the United States. The three governments, working under great pressure, devoted unprecedented resources to create the terrifying weapon used with terrible effect to decisively end the war with Imperial Japan in August 1945. The Truman Administration made sincere, ultimately frustrated efforts to bring atomic weapons under the supervision of the United Nations. The successor Eisenhower administration did lead the complicated diplomacy that resulted in the creation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has been generally effective in encouraging civilian use of nuclear power and restraining pressures for nuclear weapons proliferation. In 1958, the amendment of the McMahon Act updated the special partnership with Britain in the nuclear weapons sphere. Nuclear military technology was shared with the British, and the U.S. played an active role in supplying a credible nuclear deterrent to the close ally. Dependency inevitably led to tensions. During the Kennedy administration, the abrupt cancellation of the Skybolt bomber program completely upended Britain's force planning. Kennedy officials scrambled to provide the new Polaris nuclear-armed submarine as a substitute. The collaboration continues with today's Trident submarine force. Relations with France during the Second World War, as well as the Cold War, provide a dramatic contrast. Gen. Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French forces during the war, proved demanding and rigid in the extreme. Perhaps that style was inevitable, given the humiliation of France's stunning, devastating defeat by Germany's military in 1940. Both President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill disliked the rigid, insecure, beleaguered French leader. Supreme Commander Gen. Dwight Eisenhower did have a good rapport with him. When de Gaulle became president of France in 1958, he quickly emphasized a French nuclear military force to achieve desperately needed national prestige. France withdrew from NATO in 1966. Compared with this history, recent years have been relatively stable among NATO nations. In 2009, France returned to NATO. The new accord strengthens Europe's security, whatever the temperature in Washington.
ITV News
6 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
Prince Harry and Trump both in UK in September in big month for King Charles
The month of September is shaping up to be a very significant one for King Charles now that he has a f ixed date in the diary with Donald Trump and a visit to the UK by his younger son, Prince Harry. While Harry has made it clear he wants to reconcile with his father, the King has been advised not to see him for fear his son will share any private family conversations on TV or in a new book. Father and son have not met face-to-face since shortly after the King's cancer announcement in February 2024. Harry's visit in two months' time is likely to take place a week before Donald Trump's big arrival here, so it's hard to see how King Charles's office wouldn't be able to make space in his diary to see his son. The King could decide to make time or he could, as the Sussex team claimed on a previous occasion, decide to be 'too busy' to meet in person. The Duke of Sussex is planning to return to the UK in early September for a series of British-based charity engagements. The revelation that senior staff from both sides met in London last week does suggest there is movement in a positive direction. The King's most senior communications official, Tobyn Andreae, met with Harry and Meghan's newly-appointed head of communications, Meredith Maines, on her first visit to the UK in her role. Harry's UK-based PR man, Liam Maguire was also present at the meeting last Wednesday afternoon in one of London's private members' clubs in St James. Sources in the Sussex camp said they were 'frustrated' that the meeting was leaked but both sides deny they tipped off the Mail on Sunday, which first ran the story. Harry's most recent TV interview triggered a massive setback in the relationship with the King, as Harry spoke publicly about his father's cancer ('I don't know how long he has left'), which was viewed in Buckingham Palace as a gross invasion of the King's privacy. But the meeting between the senior courtier from the palace and two staff from Harry and Meghan's office would only have happened with the express knowledge and authorisation of their bosses. But King Charles' advisers will only allow him to meet his son if Harry pledges not to share details of private conversations about family or his own security arrangements when he's in the UK. Harry should be back in California by the time President Trump lands in the UK for a visit, which has had the adjective 'unprecedented' written next to it more times than I care to count. No US leader has been on a State Visit to the UK twice, but this is Donald Trump 2.0, and he was previously hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2019. We now have the confirmed dates for the visit, 17-19 September, which means the logistics can start to be put in place. As we saw with the French State Visit last week, these events are heavy on the detail; Anglo-French chefs, menus which reflect both countries, Kate wearing items by French designers, carriages, and speeches, even before the royals hand over to the politicians. State Visits are arranged at the request of the government of the day, and the royals know they must put on a good show for the visitors, no matter what personal views they might have on their politics. For example, King Charles and Donald Trump have vastly diverging views on climate change, so they will not discuss anything like that in public. But the King knows his prime minister wants the best possible relationship with Mr Trump for economic reasons, and part of his constitutional duty is to host visiting heads of state. Just as for the French visit, the American one will happen in Windsor as Buckingham Palace will still be out of action in September due to its major decade-long renovation project. The Berkshire town will be braced for the consequences. Not just the crowds of tourists they've grown used to every day, but there are likely to be big protests during Mr Trump's stay at Windsor Castle. The president however will greatly enjoy being guests of the Royal Family and the photographs which will accompany that moment. Like his mother before him, Mr Trump is a big fan of the British Monarchy. He had huge respect for the late Queen and he likes King Charles on a personal level. So, it'll be wise for all concerned to make the most of the summer break, as September is shaping up to be a significant month, for both UK-US relations – and Royal Family relations - for many years to come.
India Today
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
10 minutes. 9 bidders. And the OG Birkin sold for Rs 85 crore
Tension brewed in the room. Phones buzzed while all eyes were on one bag. Scuffed and slightly scratched, it was the OG Birkin Bag made for the late Anglo-French actress Jane most coveted bag in fashion just went under the hammer — and became the most valuable handbag ever sold, fetching $10.1 million (Rs 86,72,76,622) at Sotheby' that number widen your eyes? Ours This bag set a record at the auction yesterday. It is now the second most valuable fashion artifact ever sold, trailing only behind the ruby-red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, which went for $32.5 million in 2024. Jane Birkin's original Hermes Birkin Bag auctioned (Photo: Reuters) The original Birkin auctionedIn Paris, on July 10, 2025, the auction room gasped when bidding for the Hermes bag opened at $1 million (Rs 8.6 crore).What followed was an intense 10-minute bidding war among nine collectors. In the end, the bag was sold to a private collector from Japan, bidding via telephone through Maiko Ichikawa, Country Head of Sotheby's Halimi, Global Head of Handbags and Fashion at Sotheby's, described the event as 'an important milestone' in the world of luxury fashion. 'The sale of the Original Birkin is also, ultimately, a celebration of the enduring spirit and appeal of its muse, Jane Birkin.'The original bag is distinct from its subsequent versions. Its size, metal detailing, fixed shoulder strap, and a few other subtle features were never replicated in other pieces. Used daily by Birkin from 1985 to 1994, the bag carries unique personal touches, her initials 'J.B.,' a small pair of silver nail clippers, and a collection of stickers and adornments that reflect her individual style and daily life. Jane Birkin's used Birkin Bag (Photo: AP) "It is incredible to think that a bag initially designed by Hermes as a practical accessory for Jane Birkin has become the most desirable bag in history and will most likely continue to be so for many years to come," Halimi shared, emphasising the bag's enduring appeal and status as a cultural lore of the Birkin BagThe origin of this iconic handbag harks back to 1984, during a flight from Paris to London. Actress Jane Birkin, seated next to Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, expressed frustration over the absence of a practical yet chic Birkin herself recounted: 'He said, 'Well, draw it for me,' and so I drew it on one of those sick bags, the vomit bags, in the airplane.' Actress flaunting her bag (Photo: Reuters) Over the decades, the Birkin bag has evolved from a functional accessory to the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity. Its legendary status was further solidified when it was featured in the television series Sex and the City, where the memorable line, 'It's not a bag. It's a Birkin,' became etched in pop bag, crafted by hand over 18 to 40 hours, is rich with intricate details, complete with unique codes and artisan of its allure also lies in its exclusivity; you can't just walk into a Hermes store and buy one. There's an entire process that involves building a rapport with a salesperson and identifying the right Birkin for fashion, it has also proven to be a strong investment. According to a Deloitte and Credit Suisse report, Hermes Birkin bags had an average return of 38 per cent in 2020. In fact, the resale value of a pristine Birkin has significantly outpaced like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Nita Ambani, Janhvi Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and many others own and often flaunt their opulent hues of the Birkin bag.- Ends
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
UK and France order more cruise missiles, pledge nuclear cooperation
The UK and France will agree to strengthen their cooperation on nuclear deterrence, formally declaring a willingness to coordinate any response to an extreme security threat in Europe. The two nuclear-armed members of the UN Security Council will highlight deeper defense ties during meetings between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday in London. They will also order more of the conventionally armed Storm Shadow cruise missiles that they've been supplying to Ukraine and accelerate efforts to develop a next-generation replacement for the weapons, according to a statement from the British defense ministry. The announcement made during a state visit to the UK by Macron is part of an attempt by both leaders to signal their commitment to Europe's sovereign defense capabilities amid the threat from Russia as the US signals a desire to pare back its traditional security role in the continent under President Donald Trump. 'From war in Europe to new nuclear risks and daily cyber attacks, the threats we face are multiplying,' Starmer said in the statement. 'As close partners and NATO allies, the UK and France have a deep history of defense collaboration and today's agreements take our partnership to the next level.' Starmer and Macron are also expected to announce a new plan to tackle migrant crossings on the English channel on Thursday. Le Monde reported that France would only accept the return of up to 50 migrants per week under the agreement, a relatively small share given that 695 migrants arrived across the channel to the UK this past week. Defence Secretary John Healey didn't deny the contents of the report on Thursday. A series of other Anglo-French projects on air-to-air missiles, directed energy weapons, space and artificial intelligence will also be advanced, under the badge of a new 'Entente Industrielle' — a play on the Entente Cordiale, a set of early 20th-century agreements designed to improve relations between the historic adversaries. Healey said the two militaries will increase coordination, allowing a force of around 50,000 to be ready to activate and defend Europe within NATO. Earlier: Macron Pushes Starmer to Recognize Palestine on Visit to UK The further commitment to the Storm Shadow program, and the step closer to choosing a final design for its successor deep strike missile, comes after the weapon was deployed by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia. Starmer and Macron are to dial in to a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing on Thursday, a group of countries that have pledged continued support for Ukraine. A senior French official said a representative from the US — although not Trump himself — would also join the call, in a further sign of American backing for the country just a day after the president vowed to resume halted weapons deliveries. The coalition will announce that it has an operation command center on that call, the official said. Known as SCALP in France, Storm Shadow missiles have a maximum range of around 250 kilometers (160 miles). They are produced by the multinational European arms maker MBDA and are seen as having exceptional accuracy because of their advanced navigation system. The missiles fly close to the terrain at high speeds and using a combination of so-called inertial navigation with Global Positioning System and terrain-reference navigation, according to a fact-sheet on the MBDA website. Each missile costs almost $1 million. The UK government did not say how many it would order nor whether they are to replenish domestic stocks or to send on to Ukraine. Britain began allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow against targets inside Russia in November 2024, following a decision by then US President Joe Biden to approve Kyiv's limited use of the weapons to hit military sites on Russian territory.
