US defence secretary says special relationship with UK 'as strong as ever'
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has said the special relationship between the US and the UK is "as strong as ever" as he met UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps at the Pentagon.
Gen Austin's meeting with his British counterpart followed last month's synchronised strikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen.
The objective was to curtail the rebel group's capacity to launch further assaults on vessels navigating international waters.
The US Defence Secretary thanked Mr Shapps for the UK's aid in the Red Sea as he said the "US-UK special relationship is as strong as ever".
"The United Kingdom's partnership is pivotal to addressing these reckless and illegal attacks against military vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea," Gen Austin said.
"We can see Iran's hand here, as well — providing the Houthis with advanced conventional weapons, intelligence and expertise.
"The US and UK are deeply committed to the rules-based international order and defending the freedom of navigation."
Gen Austin also highlighted joint efforts in tackling the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
He said: "We share the view that Israel must be able to defend itself from Hamas' terrorism in accordance with international law.
"We also believe that Israel has a duty to avoid harming Palestinian civilians and that the people of Gaza urgently need far more humanitarian assistance."
Addressing the war between Ukraine and Russia, Gen Austin expressed unity with the UK, stating: "I look forward to discussing ways that we can continue to strengthen Ukraine's capability to defend its sovereign territory."
The comments from the US defence secretary follow the US Secretary of the Navy last week warning that the UK should reconsider the size of its Armed Forces to face the possibility of a major conflict breaking out.
Join Our Newsletter
