The UK is to sign a deal with France to strengthen co-operation in the development of civil nuclear energy.

One of the companies involved is the French nuclear power firm Areva, which is signing a deal with Rolls Royce.

Robert Davies, of Areva, told the Today programme that it was "a very important deal".

"The deal says we start in the UK, we cut the teeth there, and then we export," he says.

"This is a very exciting opportunity not only for Rolls Royce but I want it to be seen as being a symbol of what it's going to be for UK industry."

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