Britain and France will today sign treaties establishing unprecedented defence cooperation, including the creation of a joint military force, the sharing of aircraft carriers and closer nuclear research.

The Defence Secretary Liam Fox insisted the deal was good for both countries. "We're talking about joint expeditionary forces with our forces in all three services working together to develop common practices, better inter-operability and to look to see where we get better common equipment," he told Today presenter Evan Davis.

"That makes perfect sense in a world where resources are tight but our interests are increasingly common."

And he insisted that the agreements would ensure that the UK would retain "a sovereign capability" on defence.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844