Sarko visit live: follow it here

President Nicholas Sarkozy today announced he wanted to realign the European Union via a new Franco-British alliance, claiming that his country's relationship with Germany was "not enough" to make the bloc powerful.

In a move at odds with the Franco-German alliance policy followed by his predecessor Jacques Chirac, Sarkozy claimed Europe "needs" the UK during a rare speech to both Houses of Parliaments in London.

Mr Sarkozy also indicated that France was committed to maintaining a close relationship with the US, offering French help to the Nato force in Afghanistan. He said the alliance "cannot afford" to lose the war.

He added France would learn from the British example to reform its economy and indicated it would push for reform of the EU's farm subsidy programme, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

"We cannot build a prosperous, democratic, effective, efficient Europe without the the United Kingdom,” he said, speaking via an interpreter via the royal gallery.

“Who could imagine that Europe would be stronger without British dynamism? Who could imagine the United Kingdom would have greater influence throughout the world if it returned to splendid isolationism?"

In a direct appeal to Euro-sceptics worried about European Federalism, Mr Sarkozy said that European countries must not be afraid to "defend their identity", adding: “A Frenchman will always remain French and a British citizen will always remain British.”

But he said: "European nations cannot expect to be successful in what they undertake unless they act together. If we want to change Europe, my British friends, we need you to stand within Europe, inside Europe, not outside."

In a direct reference to the Franco-German axis, Mr Sarkozy said cooperation with the UK was equally as important.

"France and the United Kingdom are together facing threats to peace and security across the world," he said. "In the Europe of today, the Franco-German axis remains the driving force, but it is not enough. But to bring the 27 of us together again, we need a Franco-British entente or understanding."

Mr Sarkozy's overtures came after a lengthy period of his speech in which he lavished praise on Britain's history, referring to the UK's support for France in both world wars.

He added: "You the British have become for us the French a model, a benchmark, and we gain inspiration from what you have been able to achieve."

The French President made his speech after he and his wife, the supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni, were treated to an exhibition of British pomp, pageantry and ceremony when they arrived in London this morning.

After being met by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at Heathrow and taken in chauffer-driven convoy to the outskirts of Windsor, the couple were greeted by the Queen and Prince Philip and taken through the streets in a horse-drawn carriage to Windsor Castle for lunch.

As locals and tourists watched the carriages pass through streets lined with British and French flags, much of the attention went to Ms Bruni, the Italian-born former girlfriend of Mick Jagger, who was dressed in an all-grey Dior dress and beret combination for the occasion.

Shortly after Mr Sarkozy and his wife arrived, Gordon Brown told Prime Minister's Questions that discussions on immigration would be a key part of talks with the French President.

"Can I welcome President Sarkozy and his wife to Britain," the Prime Minister said. "I hope in our talks, today and tomorrow, we can agree to tighten up controls at Calais. I hope also we can have an agreement that there will be no further immigration centres like Sangatte and that will not happen in the future."

Tonight, the French President will eat at a state banquet held in his honour and tomorrow he will attend a UK-France summit at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium in north London.

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