Liam Fox describes sharing aircraft carriers with France as 'unrealistic'

Defence Secretary Liam Fox has dismissed speculation the UK could share aircraft carriers with France as part of closer defence co-operation and efforts to save money.

Dr Fox, who is in Paris for talks with his French counterpart, said such a move would be "unrealistic".

The Ministry of Defence is facing a significant cut in its future budget. Dr Fox wants to save money in procurement and administration while prioritising front-line operations.

He has emphasised the need for much closer working with key European allies, such as France. But at a press conference with French Defence Minister Herve Morin, Dr Fox dismissed suggestions the two could share aircraft carriers as a cost-saving measure.

However, the two men said they would look at ways of sharing their respective fleets of A400M, a plane designed to transport soldiers and heavy equipment to combat zones.

The Defence Secretary and Mr Morin also discussed Afghanistan and the progress being made to train military and security forces in the country.

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