Trump’s military chief points to importance of UK’s ‘credible’ defence

DONALD TRUMP’S military chief has stressed the importance of Britain’s defence capabilities remaining “credible” during a meeting with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.

US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis said the so-called “special relationship” should be left “stronger than we inherited it” during a meeting at the Pentagon.

The Government is facing growing warnings over Britain’s ability to defend itself as it faces evolving threats from conventional enemies and escalating risks from cyber attacks.

Earlier this week a watchdog warned the Ministry of Defence was facing a £20 billion black hole in the armed forces equipment budget that could jeopardise operations unless urgent action is taken. The National Audit Office (NAO) report came after the head of the Army warned Britain needs to keep up with its enemies, as it is not immune to a “hybrid” attack that could use conventional and cyber warfare methods.

Meanwhile, the head of Britain’s cyber defence centre has warned a major cyber attack on the UK is a matter of “when, not if”. As the defence secretaries met in Virginia, Mr Mattis said he and Mr Williamson would be discussing “pragmatic ways to bolster our defence cooperation as we carry out our responsibility to strengthen the special relationship, turning it over to the next generation stronger than we inherited it”.

Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said: “Secretary Mattis emphasised the value of the US-UK special relationship and reaffirmed the importance of credible defence capabilities. He also welcomed the release of Britain’s forthcoming report of defence programme modernisation.”