UK special relationship with US ‘meaningless’ unless it boosts defence, Hegseth warns
Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, emphasized that the UK-US special relationship is ineffective unless the UK enhances its military capabilities. He stated that countries that align with US defense spending will gain benefits such as arms sales and intelligence access. Hegseth warned that nations that do not contribute adequately to their defense will face consequences in their relations with the US.
- ▪Pete Hegseth stated that the UK-US special relationship is 'meaningless' without matching military capabilities.
- ▪He emphasized that 'model allies' who comply with US defense spending demands will benefit from arms sales and intelligence access.
- ▪Hegseth warned that nations perceived as 'freeloading' on US defense will be penalized.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsUK special relationship with US ‘meaningless’ unless it boosts defence, Hegseth warns‘Model allies’ who comply with US demands on defence spending will benefit from arms sales and access to intelligence, Pete Hegseth saidMillie Cooke Political Correspondent Saturday 30 May 2026 13:45 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2986425","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pete-hegseth-uk-defence-spending-trump-b2986425.html","title":"Hegseth: UK special relationship with US meaningless unless it boosts…
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