England, France agreed to coordinate with each other’s nuclear programs

England and France agreed Thursday to “coordinate” and “cooperate” with each other’s nuclear programs for their own safety and the defense of Europe.

“This morning, we signed the Northwood Declaration, confirming for the first time that we are coordinating our independent nuclear deterrents,” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.  “From today, our adversaries will know that any extreme threat to this continent would prompt a response from our two nations.”

While both nuclear programs will remain independent, the two countries will coordinate with one another for their own mutual benefit and for the safety of Europe, according to a press release from the U.K. government’s website.

“We represent two fiercely proud and independent nations, but by working together, we are delivering for our people and we're a force for good in a dangerous world,” Starmer also said.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Starmer's sentiments.  

“Our two countries remain independent and sovereign, but we’re giving ourselves the means when necessary to work together in keeping with the markedly more threatening environment that we now face,” he said.

Both countries possess nuclear weapons solely for the sake of deterring threats to their respective nations.

“Now as Europe's only nuclear powers and as leaders in NATO, we play a vital role in preserving the peace and security on this continent,” Starmer continued. “So today, we’ve updated the historic Lancaster House Treaty to protect our people.”

He also highlighted the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on England.

"The security of the British people starts in Ukraine," Starmer said. "While [Russia President] Putin turns his back on peace, we are rallying all support for Ukraine right now to defend their people and force Putin to the table."

This decision comes after both countries stating for the last 30 years that any situation threatening the interests of one country will ultimately threaten the other's.

The Northwood Declaration is part of a larger update to the 2010 Lancaster House treaties, according to the U.K. Defense Journal.