- War Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the UK's "special relationship" with the United States is "meaningless" unless it matches American military capabilities.
- Speaking in Singapore, Mr Hegseth said that "model allies" who comply with US defence spending demands will receive benefits like arms sales and intelligence access, while "freeloading" nations will face penalties.
- He said that the era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over, and allies refusing to contribute their share will experience a clear shift in U.S. policy.
- The warning comes amid increasing tensions between the UK and the US over defence spending; Mr Hegseth has previously criticised allies for not supporting US military actions.
- In the UK, there are concerns over delays in the government's defence investment plan and a reported £28bn funding gap, with the Conservative Party pushing for a deadline for its publication.
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