Keir Starmer to seek to bolster defence ties as he hosts New Zealand PM
GuardianMAY 1
UK and New Zealand Ink $40 Million Ukraine Drone Deal
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon speak to the media during a visit to a military base training Ukrainian troops, on April 22, 2025 in Hampshire, England. Image copyright: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The U.K., Ukraine, and New Zealand are deepening cooperation to strengthen global security and support Ukraine. New Zealand's extension of troop training under Operation Interflex and new drone contracts worth £30 million show a united front against Russian aggression. This partnership boosts defense, supports British and Kiwi jobs, and proves the value of strong alliances in an uncertain world.
Opposition narrative
The U.K.'s military is overstretched and under-resourced, yet it continues to commit to a war it cannot decisively influence. New Zealand's decision to deepen involvement raises serious questions — neither itself nor Ukraine is a NATO member, and the strategic gain for New Zealand is unclear. Why scramble to support a distant conflict, when both nations face growing pressures at home?