UK, France in Nuke Power Pact

Britain and France are set to sign a deal this week to collaborate on a new generation of power plants, as well as a joint venture to export the technology around the world, the Guardian reports. The nuclear pact will part of a London summit next week between Nicolas Sarkozy and Gordon Brown. Both countries see nuclear power as a lucrative market as nations around the world seek to cut their dependence on oil.

Another topic on the table in London will be new measures against illegal immigration. The immigration deal will include joint charter flights to carry illegal immigrants from Britain and France back to countries like Iran and Afghanistan; increased checks for illegal stowaways at French and British ports; and stepped-up undercover efforts against human-smuggling rings. (More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)