French President Emmanuel Macron is in Cyprus today for talks with Greek and Cypriot leaders in what is being presented as a show of solidarity, just days after a drone strike hit a British air base on the island.

France has already moved military assets into the eastern Mediterranean, including a frigate, while its aircraft carrier is also on the way. Other European countries, including Greece, Spain and Italy, have likewise deployed naval support to bolster Cyprus’s security.

The UK says it has strengthened air defences around its bases both before and after the strike on RAF Akrotiri, where a drone reportedly damaged a hangar used for US U-2 surveillance aircraft.

But the political optics are awkward for London. With other European leaders and military deployments arriving first — despite a British base being hit — the visit is likely to intensify criticism that the UK government has moved too slowly, particularly with HMS Dragon still not yet having sailed.