He strongly implied that Britain is set to oppose the creation of such an army, which is backed by some member states including Germany.

Mr. Fallon made the remarks as he jetted into the Belgian capital for a meeting of the EU foreign affairs council.

There ministers are set to discuss the implementation of the EU’s much-vaunted ‘Global Strategy’ on defence and security.

Eurocrats have repeatedly insisted that the policy is not a military power grab, but critics say it will create a Brussels army by the back door.

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