# United Kingdom
Latest news and articles about United Kingdom
Total: 11 articles found
Trilateral Next‑Gen Fighter Programme Stalls as UK Delays Key Contract, Putting 2035 Target at Risk
The Japan‑UK‑Italy Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has been set back after the planned 2025 contract between its international government body and the trilateral joint venture was delayed for reasons tied to the UK. The postponement imperils the programme’s 2035 deployment goal and raises wider questions about governance, cost‑sharing and strategic timelines in multinational defence projects.
Starmer Sends Carrier to the High North: Britain Reasserts Naval Muscle and NATO Resolve
At the Munich Security Conference, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a carrier strike group, including HMS Prince of Wales, will deploy to the North Atlantic and the High North this year. The move is intended as a signal of NATO resolve, a prompt to European defence cooperation and a demonstration of Britain’s post‑Brexit security role, while also heightening strategic competition in the Arctic.
U.S. to Hand Two Major NATO Commands to Europe as Washington Recasts Its Role
NATO will reassign two major regional command posts—Naples to Italy and Norfolk to the United Kingdom—as part of a planned redistribution of senior officer duties within the alliance. The changes reflect U.S. efforts to rebalance responsibilities as Washington pivots priorities globally while keeping top operational commands and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe under U.S. control.
Beijing Signals It May Grant Visa-Free Access to British Citizens—Details to Follow
China has told reporters it is considering unilateral visa-free access for British citizens, with detailed terms to be announced after internal procedures are completed. The move, floated during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit, would be a high-profile confidence-building step with uncertain scope and timing.
China Signals Possible Visa-Free Entry for British Citizens as Starmer Visits — Details Pending
China has indicated it will announce details “in due course” about a possible unilateral visa-free regime for British citizens, a proposal raised during UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit. The move would be a pragmatic confidence-building measure with potential economic upside, but its impact depends on the specific terms and security safeguards.
Britain Sends Six F-35Bs to Cyprus as Middle East Talks Temper—but Tensions Linger
The UK has deployed six F-35B fighters to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to bolster the defence of its sovereign base areas amid heightened US‑Iran tensions. The move coincided with Oman‑mediated talks between Washington and Tehran and a simultaneous White House announcement of tariffs targeting countries that trade with Iran, leaving the region in a delicate balance between diplomacy and deterrence.
Starmer Eyes Closer EU Defence Ties as Britain Reconsiders SAFE Fund
Britain is considering joining a second round of the EU’s SAFE defence financing programme, reopening a debate over post‑Brexit security cooperation. The move would deepen practical ties with European partners but will hinge on agreement over costs, legal terms and governance.
Xi and Starmer Agree to a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership as UK Prime Minister Visits Beijing
China and the UK agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable, comprehensive strategic partnership" after a meeting between Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer in Beijing. Beijing presented the outcome as a new, predictable framework for bilateral engagement, but the substance will be tested by future agreements and by how London balances ties with Washington and domestic scrutiny.
Xi and Starmer Agree to Reset: Beijing and London Pledge a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership
Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Beijing on January 29 and agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership," a diplomatic formulation Beijing says reflects a new vision for bilateral ties. The declaration signals a mutual interest in resetting relations but leaves major political and security questions open, making concrete follow‑through crucial.
Trump’s Dismissal of Allies’ Role in Afghanistan Draws Sharp Rebukes from Britain, Australia and NATO
President Trump’s comments that NATO and other allies ‘‘hid behind’’ the U.S. in Afghanistan drew strong rebuttals from Australia, the UK and NATO leadership. Leaders emphasized the heavy costs borne by their forces and sought to reassure that alliances remain intact, even as the episode highlights risks to coalition cohesion and U.S. credibility.
Trump Praises British Troops After NATO 'Off the Front Lines' Remark Sparks Allied Fury
President Trump praised British troops on social media after his remarks in Davos suggesting some NATO partners had stayed “off the front lines” in Afghanistan drew strong criticism from allies. The selective praise, following a phone call with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was widely interpreted as a partial withdrawal of his earlier comments rather than a full apology, leaving strain with other NATO capitals.