UK to strengthen security agreement with New Zealand

Labour has announced plans to strengthen defence agreements between the UK and New Zealand.

The partnership will “protect Britain’s national interest” and bolster Ukraine’s war effort.

As part of the deal, the UK has signed £30 million worth of contracts with SYOS Aerospace, a New Zealand defence firm based in Hampshire, to supply unmanned drones to Ukraine.

According to the government, this contract will support a further nine UK based companies through subcontracts and will create 45 new jobs, helping the government act on its Plan for Change.

In addition to this investment, New Zealand trainers will continue to support the British-led Operation Interflex training operation which has helped to train over 54,000 Ukrainian soldiers until at least the end of the year.

Military planners of the two countries will also meet to discuss post-war plans for rebuilding Ukraine as part of Starmer’s Coalition of the Willing, with New Zealand confirming its commitment to the group.

PM Keir Starmer said: “Only by working with our friends and allies and protecting our national security will we be able to deliver on our Plan for Change, putting money back in the pockets of working people through highly skilled jobs – such those we have announced today – a strong and resilient economy, and greater opportunity.

“From the beaches of Gallipoli, to the vital work we have been doing together on Operation Interflex and our support for Ukraine, the UK and New Zealand have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for generations in pursuit of peace and stability.

“As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security – stepping up our defence spending, deploying our navies together in the Indo-Pacific, and continuing our work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia.”

The partnership also aims to outline how the two nations will help to provide and maintain security in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East and Europe and discuss the importance of growth and free trade for national security.

Part of this commitment involves the Royal New Zealand Navy Frigate MNZS Te Kaha, joining the UK Carrier Strike Group which left Portsmouth for the Indian Ocean today.