France is the UK's 'natural defence partner' says Liam Fox
David Cameron and the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, have signed an historic deal which in future which will see the two countries co-ordinate the use of aircraft carriers and share nuclear test facilities.
Defence Secretary Liam Fox told the House of Commons that France is the UK's "natural partner in Europe for defence co-operation".
Mr Fox said that achieving envisaged levels of co-operation will take time and require changes to ways of working.
"A stronger defence relationship with France does not mean a weaker relationship with the United States our main strategic partner, with Germany or any other partner," he added.