"I've been a fan of EMF since I was 15," she explained.

According to Mr Haroche, one option might be to position French nuclear-armed planes in other countries, such as Germany or Poland. The decision to press the trigger would still rest entirely with the French president, but their presence would send a strong signal.Alternatively, French bombers could patrol European borders, in the same way they regularly do French borders today. Or airfields could be developed in other countries to which French bombers could quickly deploy in an emergency.

Numbers are an issue. Are 300 French warheads enough against Russia's thousands? Maybe not – but in an alliance with the UK 300 become 550. Also (to repeat the point) the American nuclear deterrent is still in theory in place. There are US nuclear bombs in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.Another question is whether to reformulate the French nuclear doctrine so as to state unambiguously that "vital interests" cover European allies too.Some say there is no need, because the strategic vagueness that exists already is part of the very deterrent.

But Mr Haroche says there is a political dimension to stating more clearly that France will use its arsenal to defend other European countries."If the US is to be less present, then European countries will be depending much more on each other. Our strategic world becomes more horizontal," he says.

"In this new world it is important to build trust and confidence among ourselves. For France to signal it is prepared to take on risk in support of others – that helps create a solid front."

Ruben Vardanyan is one of Armenia's richest men, but his millions are of little use now that he is facing a possible life term in jail in neighbouring Azerbaijan.She cites a £15 TV for her daughter’s bedroom as her best purchase.

“I couldn’t believe it, I nearly skipped out of the shop I was that pleased.“I’ve actually kept the price tag on to remind me what a bargain it is,” she beams.

This Christmas, Charlotte, who started her online journey after a period of homelessness and the traumatic birth of Maeve, now aged four, has set herself a £5 budget for new festive decorations.“I got a little toadstool bauble for 50p, a rocking horse one which I will give to my mum," she says.