The Future of Anglo-Franco Relations

In the wake of Brexit, the relationship between the UK and Europe has become naturally strained, thus evoking a vast array of concerns from different nations. Today, we are going to examine France’s concerns over a more distant relationship with the UK, and what it could mean for future international exchanges.
First, let’s have a glance back into history. It wasn’t that long ago that France and Britain were fierce rivals, competing over land, power and influence. We were regularly at war, and this prolonged hostility only came to an end with the Entente Cordiale, or Cordial Agreement, in 1904. This agreement put an end to the conflict and competition, and marked a turning point in Anglo-Franco relations. There was finally peace. But, more than that, there was finally the potential for a new friendship.
The Entente Cordiale led to an increase in military cooperation between France and the UK, and in World War 1 this new alliance was put to the test.  The relationship stood the strain of war, but once that war had ended it became clear that France and Britain were seeking two very different things. France was seeking to solidify the friendship with further agreements, whereas Britain was turning towards the rest of the world. The only thing that brought Britain’s attention back to France was the onset of World War Two, in which it became clear that Britain and France were very clearly mutually dependent on each other for security.
When faced with this realisation, Britain accepted this fact of life, but would still turn to other nations, to develop a stronger network of alliances.France, it seems, has always had a greater appreciation for the depth of the relationship between the two nations.
After years of being jilted and under-appreciated, France turned towards Europe. 1956 had marked the final straw, as Britain abandoned France in the Franco-British Suez Expedition at the behest of the United States. The truth was finally settling in: Britain just wasn’t as interested in the relationship as France was. In Europe, France was welcomed as an ally and friend, despite some remaining tensions from the war.
Seeing France lose interest, and the growing potential emerging from Europe, Britain followed suite, and in 1961 it was Britain seeking France’s support in joining the European Union.
The relief was palpable. Britain and France have had a strong track-record for military support, and in the post-war era, France had pressured Germany to drastically reduce their military power. This was understandable in the aftermath of the Nazi-period, but now Europe is suffering from the unforeseen, yet hardly surprising, consequences. The German army provides nowhere near the same degree of military support as Britain and France. With Britain leaving the EU almost eighty years after being accepted into the union, France is faced with a severe dilemma.
Macron has openly declared his views on NATO as being “brain dead”, and in recent years there has been an increase of talks on an EU Army. Now, without Britain there to help fund and support the endeavour, there is the fear that such an army may not be so capable, and the weight of responsibility shall rest on Macron’s shoulders. He has already dedicated France’s nuclear weaponry to the service of the EU, hoping to spur some kind of reform or passion for the project in the hearts of other EU members, but the success of the endeavour still remains to be seen.
In January, Macron sent what has popularly been described as a “love letter” to Boris Johnson to reflect on the close relationship between Britain and France. This is undoubtedly an attempt to keep Britain sweet, and at the service of the EU in all matters of military and security. This is undoubtedly in the best interests of the EU, if somewhat surprising after the conflicts of Brexit. However, whether or not this tie is in the best interests of Britain is now up to the British people.