French Leader Praises Britain During Speech to Parliament

LONDON — France will never forget the sacrifice Britain made during World War II, nor the heroic resistance of the British people, the French president told both Houses of Parliament yesterday. In a passionate address delivered almost entirely in French, President Sarkozy said France was not entitled to forget that it was Britain that stood by his country.

He also said France and Britain have "never been so close" and that he wanted a new "brotherhood" between the two countries. Mr. Sarkozy said Britain and France should be "friends forever."

Peers and members of Parliament, led by Prime Minister Brown and David Cameron, rose to give the president a prolonged and warm standing ovation after the speech.

Mr. Sarkozy said: "On behalf of the people of France, France will never forget. France will never forget that when it was virtually wiped out, down on its knees, it was Britain who stood by us.

"France will never forget the heroic resistance of the British people without which all would have been lost."

He said Britain and its Parliament was a touchstone for democracies around the world.