UK and New Zealand pledge deeper defence ties, extend Ukraine training

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon are set to announce a new phase of defence and security cooperation between their countries during a meeting on Tuesday, according to a statement from Starmer's office.

The two leaders will visit a military training facility in southwest England where British and New Zealand forces are jointly training Ukrainian troops. Luxon is expected to confirm New Zealand’s support for the initiative will continue through the end of 2025.

The meeting is expected to result in a roadmap for a new joint defence partnership, as ministers from both countries have been tasked with expanding military and strategic collaboration.

"As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security," Starmer said, highlighting both countries' deployments in the Indo-Pacific and their coordinated support for Ukraine.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the rules-based international order and bolstering collective efforts to deter Russia’s aggression. The UK and New Zealand have long-standing ties, both as members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and through decades of military cooperation.

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