A landmark half-century defence pact between the UK and Australia is set to be formalised during high-level ministerial talks in Sydney.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey are meeting their Australian counterparts and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the yearly Aukmin summit today.
The treaty, spanning five decades, will establish the framework for bilateral cooperation under the Aukus defence alliance.
Following the Sydney discussions, both ministers plan to travel to Melbourne on Saturday for meetings with firms participating in the submarine construction initiative, before heading to Darwin where Royal Navy vessels are arriving.
The Aukus alliance, established in 2021 amongst Britain, America and Australia, centres on developing nuclear-powered attack submarines and broader defence collaboration.
Australia will acquire its first nuclear submarine fleet through the programme.
However, the Trump administration has placed the partnership under review, prompting concerns about potential American withdrawal.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised Britain’s unwavering support, saying: “Britain’s commitment to Australia was ‘absolute’.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
GETTY
|
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey are meeting their Australian counterparts and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the yearly Aukmin summit today
He added: “Aukus is one of Britain’s most important defence partnerships, strengthening global security while driving growth at home. This historic treaty confirms our Aukus commitment for the next half century.”
The programme is projected to support employment for over 21,000 British workers when fully operational.
Healey highlighted the long-term impact, noting that people “not yet born” would benefit from employment opportunities created by the agreement.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised collaborative efforts to influence regional security arrangements in the Indo-Pacific.
GETTY
|
David Lammy described the bilateral relationship as ‘like no other’
She wrote on social media platform X: “Australia and the UK are longstanding partners and we’re working together with renewed purpose to advance our shared interests.”
The Foreign Secretary described the bilateral relationship as “like no other”.
He added: “In our increasingly volatile and dangerous world, our anchoring friendship has real impact in the protection of global peace and prosperity.”
Lammy characterised the new bilateral treaty as “an embodiment of that safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific whilst catalysing growth for both our countries.”
GETTY
|
The treaty, spanning five decades, will establish the framework for bilateral cooperation under the Aukus defence alliance
British naval forces have been participating in Talisman Sabre, an Australian and American-led military drill involving over 35,000 personnel from nineteen nations.
The Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, comprising warships, submarines and aircraft operating as an international task force, has been engaged in these exercises.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge acknowledged the alliance as “a landmark achievement of the last Conservative government”.
He urged Labour to maintain progress on industrial cooperation whilst ensuring practical delivery for employment and security enhancement during elevated threat levels.