UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting discusses joint defence summit with US

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he had a "very warm conversation" with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, during which the two officials explored ideas for an international defence conference that would bring together allies of the United Kingdom and the United States. The talks come as defence cooperation between the two nations has been strained after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer limited US use of British bases for strikes against Iran, prompting Hegseth to criticize European leaders for denying unfettered US access.

Streeting’s discussion also covered the strategic situation in the Strait of Hormuz and broader defence investment, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to NATO obligations. The call followed a meeting between Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila, as well as a recent conversation between Labour leader Andy Burnham and President Donald Trump in Ankara, where Trump urged NATO members to raise defence spending.

The UK Prime Minister reiterated a pledge to keep shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz open to sustain global supply chains and lower costs for businesses and families in Britain.