Chirac ridicules 'special relationship' with US

Jacques Chirac has scorned Britain's special relationship with America, saying Tony Blair had little to show for his support for the US in Iraq.

The French president's remarks come ahead of a two-day visit to London to celebrate the centenary of the entente cordiale between the UK and France. Questioning the value of Mr Blair's backing for George Bush, he said: "Well, Britain gave its support but I did not see anything in return. I'm not sure it is in the nature of our American friends at the moment to return favours systematically."

Dealing a blow to Mr Blair's aim to improve relations between the EU and the US, Mr Chirac said: "I am not sure that it would be easy for someone, even the British, to be an honest broker."