The anti-Brexit French President has ordered a surge in his military sparking concerns among British officials the move is designed to have Paris replace the UK as Washington’s top defence partner. The Daily Telegraph reports concerns have been raised about what has been dubbed a concerted French push to align them selves as Washington’s “oldest ally” and tout their own “very special relationship” with President Donald Trump. Memos among British officials have been fired off warning that France is attempting to gain an advantage over the UK post-Brexit.
A source said: “When there’s a new policy problem, who will the US pick up the phone to first?
“The danger in the coming years is more of the time that will be Paris rather than London.”
The source added, in reference to the French: “They’ve seen an opportunity and they’re taking it.
“If roles were reversed we would probably do the sane thing.”
It is understood the US side have been careful not to overplay their alarm and that they have reiterated that the UK is and always will be Washington’s defence partner.
But last year the young French President took a swipe at the US-UK relationship in a speech to US congress.
Mr Macron said: “The story of France and the United States is a story of an endless dialogue made of common dreams, of a common struggle for dignity and progress.
“It is the best achievement of our democratic principles and values. This is this very special relationship.”
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The phone call comes four days after Mr Johnson managed a decisive election victory over the Labour Party.
Mr Trump had already congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister on Twitter in the immediate aftermath of the result.
Since world leaders were filmed at the NATO summit talking about Trump behind his back, critics had speculated that the so-called “gossipgate” had soured US-UK relations.
Since world leaders were filmed at the NATO summit talking about Trump behind his back, critics had speculated that the so-called “gossipgate” had soured US-UK relations.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister spoke with President Trump, who congratulated him on the result of the General Election.
“They discussed the huge importance of the relationship between the UK and US, and looked forward to continued close cooperation on issues such as security and trade, including the negotiation of an ambitious free trade agreement.”
