Australia's deputy PM visits Devonport to discuss Aukus and nuclear submarines

Ties between the UK and Australia, with an emphasis on security and the Aukus submarine programme, were the main subjects for discussion when Australia's deputy PM and defence minister visited the naval base in Plymouth.

Learning more about where UK boats are stored and refitted, Richard Marles was shown around HMNB Devonport by Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard and explained why ties between the two countries are so important.

"What we're seeing is a much more volatile, less predictable world, and this is a moment to double down with friends and to double down with family, and that's what we're doing in terms of building our ties with the UK," Mr Marles said.

• Inside the factory that makes the eyes at sea for the Royal Navy's submarines
• HMS Triumph returns to Devonport for decommissioning after 34 years of service
• HMS Prince of Wales returns to Portsmouth as Navy flagship for the first time

"This is the oldest relationship that Australia has, but what we now see is that there's a strategic dimension to the contemporary relationship in 2024 and that's so important."

Aukus is a pact between Australia, the UK, and the US, with its primary focus on enhancing security and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes nuclear-powered submarines.

Mr Pollard said there is a huge emphasis on making sure the Portsmouth dockyard can facilitate submarine maintenance on time.

"We need to have more of our submarines at sea," he said. "It's something we've said to the Royal Navy, that's why we're investing in Devonport in terms of the infrastructure here, being able to share that experience with Australia as well.

"They'll be starting out their nuclear journey and looking at how to make sure they can design the very best maintenance system for their nuclear submarines.

"And as we look to procure the same SSN Aukus as Australia does, we need to make sure that our facilities are up to scratch."

The naval agreement aims to deter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with work beginning on the new boats some time in the 2030s.

In September, Australia, the UK and the US agreed to work closely together to boost global security, following the conclusion of a landmark Aukus meeting in London.

And in November, it was announced the development of hypersonic technology was to be accelerated under a new Aukus arrangement.