Is the Franco-British defence treaty in trouble?

In 2010, France and Britain agreed to strengthen defence collaboration, mainly to save money through common research and acquisition of military equipment. The economic crisis forced their hand: they needed greater economies of scale to preserve certain capabilities in the face of smaller defence budgets (which Britain cut two years ago and France is poised to do soon). However, London and Paris no longer agree on the nature of their relationship. Britain's coalition government would like it to be exclusive, as did former President Nicolas Sarkozy. But President François Hollande wants bilateral co-operation with the UK to form the core of a broader European effort.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Anglo-French defence pact opened to other allies http://www.europeansources.info/record/anglo-french-defence-pact-opened-to-other-allies/

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