Cameron in Paris for talks with Sarkozy
British Prime Minister David Cameron today arrived in Paris for a summit with President Nicolas Sarkozy which will focus on nuclear energy, defence co-operation and the crisis in Syria.
Mr Cameron is heading a delegation of Cabinet ministers at a UK-France summit at the Elysee Palace just weeks before Mr Sarkozy faces a re-election battle which polls suggest he is set to lose.
The two leaders will sign a landmark agreement to co-operate on civil nuclear energy, paving the way for the construction of a new generation of power plants in the UK.
Deals worth more than £500m (€602m) between British and French companies will allow work to start on new facilities, creating more than 1,500 jobs across the country.
Rolls-Royce is to open a factory in Rotherham to produce components for the first new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point, in Somerset, as part of a £400m (€482m) deal with French energy giant Areva, supporting 600 jobs in the company and 600 in its supply chain.
Meanwhile, France’s EDF will conclude a £100m (€120m) agreement with Keir/BAM Nuttall for the first construction works at Hinkley Point and will set up a £15m (€18m) training campus for future nuclear engineers in nearby Bridgwater.
As Mr Sarkozy greeted the Prime Minister with a warm handshake and a guard of honour on the steps of the Elysee, there was no sign of the froideur which has characterised their relationship in recent months.
Mr Cameron’s refusal to approve an EU treaty to stabilise the euro in December infuriated Mr Sarkozy, while Downing Street feathers were ruffled by a series of comments from French ministers questioning the strength of the UK economy.
But the euro is not thought to be on the agenda in today’s talks, which will concentrate on the long-term strategic partnership between the cross-Channel neighbours.
Reports suggest that Mr Cameron and Mr Sarkozy will launch proposals today for a new pilotless military ``drone'' plane to carry out targeted strikes while keeping the risk of allied casualties to a minimum.
And they will sign a joint declaration of commitment to civil nuclear power, establishing a framework for co-operation on security, research and development, education and training.
Downing Street said that by joining forces in the nuclear sector, Britain and France can develop a competitive supply chain capable of seizing opportunities around the world.
And Mr Cameron said the deal would help him meet his objective of ensuring that the bulk of work on the multibillion-euro nuclear projects goes to British firms.
Speaking ahead of today’s meeting, the Prime Minister said: “The deals signed today will create more than 1,500 jobs in the UK but they are just the beginning.
“My goal is clear. I want the vast majority of the content of our new nuclear plants to be constructed, manufactured and engineered by British companies. And we will choose the partners and technologies to maximise the economic benefits to the UK.
“Today marks an important first step towards that. A good deal for Britain and a good deal for France.”
Energy Secretary Ed Davey, in Paris with the Prime Minister a fortnight after his promotion to the Cabinet, said the new nuclear plants would create highly-skilled job opportunities across the country.
“There are plans for new nuclear in Somerset, Suffolk, Cumbria, North Wales and Gloucestershire,” said Mr Davey. “Supply chains will spring up too, and extend the reach of economic benefit across the country. This investment could be worth around £60 billion and create up to 30,000 jobs.
“The deals we will see signed today reflect our ongoing desire to work closely together with our French allies and the private sector on nuclear, and across the energy mix.”
Today’s summit comes on the first anniversary of the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, which saw historically close co-operation between the UK and France on diplomatic, political and military levels.
Mr Cameron and Mr Sarkozy will discuss the continuing violence in Syria, which was condemned by an overwhelming majority at the United Nations General Assembly last night.
It is believed they will discuss the options for offering support to rebels against the regime of President Bashar Assad, but there is no suggestion of a military intervention of the type seen in Libya.
The Prime Minister described a close relationship between the UK and France as “vital” to the national security and prosperity of both countries.
“Today’s summit shows the strength and depth of Britain’s ties with France,” said Mr Cameron.
“One year on from the Libya uprising, we are working together to stand up to the murderous Syrian regime and to stop a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran.”
Also at the summit for talks with their counterparts at the summit were Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.
After travelling to Paris by train, Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg posed for photos at the Gare du Nord station with two Mini cars sporting Union flags as part of a campaign to encourage tourists to visit Britain.
