Deputy PM says remarks by French ministers are unacceptable

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has told France's prime minister that remarks by his government criticising the UK economy are 'simply unacceptable'. Downing Street has backed Mr Clegg saying the French comments have not been helpful in any way.

Tension has grown between the two countries after a series of criticisms from senior French figures - culminating in remarks today that the UK's economic situation was very worrying. It comes as France's own credit rating is under threat.

Gavin Hewitt reports.