The exclusion of France from the Aukus pact leaves the UK at risk of further isolation after Brexit
France’s extraordinary decision to recall its ambassadors to the US and Australia reflects deep anger over its exclusion from the secretly negotiated Aukus defence pact and the cancellation by Canberra of a £48bn submarine-building contract. Similar action has not been taken against Britain. But the row marks a new low in already tattered Anglo-French relations.
That’s but one of many challenges facing the new foreign secretary, Liz Truss, who replaced Dominic Raab in last week’s cabinet reshuffle. Is she up to the task? While popular among party activists, her record as a Brexit-promoting international trade secretary lacks significant achievement. Her elevation, like other new cabinet appointments, suggests once again that Boris Johnson favours chums over competence.