The UK and Australia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership following the 2026 Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) held in London.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, then UK Defence Secretary John Healey, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed global security, defence cooperation, trade, climate action and regional stability.
Key developments included:
- Continued support for Ukraine, including military assistance focused on drones, air defence and ammunition.
- Reaffirmed commitment to the AUKUS partnership, with progress reported on SSN-AUKUS submarines and advanced defence technologies.
- Calls for de-escalation in the Middle East, support for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and backing for humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
- Expanded cooperation on cyber security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, Indo-Pacific security and economic resilience.
The ministers also highlighted growing UK-Australia trade, which reached a record AUD 51.6 billion (£24.1 billion) in 2025, and pledged closer collaboration on climate resilience, clean energy and regional security initiatives.
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