The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to the United Kingdom (UK) this week on 12 - 13 July to meet with the newly appointed UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon John Healey MP.
Australia and the UK share a dynamic and enduring strategic partnership underpinned by our history, people-to-people connections and strong security, trade and investment links.
This partnership is reflected through the deep cooperation between our militaries and our collaboration under the AUKUS partnership.
The week's visit will provide an opportunity to discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities in the bilateral defence relationship and reinforce Australia and the UK's enduring commitment to Australia's acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.
The Deputy Prime Minister will visit His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde where the first three Royal Australian Navy officers will soon begin practical training on UK Astute class submarines, after graduating from the Royal Navy's Nuclear Reactor Course this week.
While in the UK, the Deputy Prime Minister will also visit Sheffield Forgemasters, a key industry site for the UK's SSN-AUKUS, demonstrating the complexities of production, testing and evaluation, and potential implications for Australian industry.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"The United Kingdom is one of our closest and most enduring partners. I look forward to working with Secretary Healey to progress initiatives which will serve to deepen our defence partnership now and into the future"
"Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are strongly committed to continued implementation of AUKUS. It is great to see real progress being made towards our national submarine programs."
"This week, the first three Royal Australian Navy officers graduated from the Royal Navy's Nuclear Reactor Course - a significant milestone in developing the skilled workforce required to operate Australia's future nuclear-powered submarines.
"In an increasingly complex strategic environment, the United Kingdom remains a critical partner supporting the rules-based global order which benefits us all."
