Pete Hegseth came to Europe to deliver a lecture. The Fox News weekend host turned Secretary of War has just supervised the most spectacular US military embarrassment in decades, and it seems he had some frustration to vent at a meeting of Nato defence ministers.
Speaking at a Nato summit in Brussels, Hegseth lambasted US allies for their “shameful” refusal to allow the US to launch offensive strikes against Iran from military bases in their territories, arguing “they put America’s sons and daughters – our sons and daughters – at risk” by doing so.
He complained allies had “tried to drown us in arcane legal debates or criticised us publicly for doing what they aren’t prepared or able to do themselves” – ignoring the deep questions about the purpose of the war he spearheaded – and what it has actually achieved.
There was more to come. Hegseth declared that the “era of free-riding” – in which Europe could rely on the US for defence while spending little itself – was over, and announced a six-month review of the presence of US forces in Europe. “It’s a review that some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colours,” he added.
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UK NEWS
Boy, 3, ‘thrown’ into crocodile enclosure at Cambridgeshire zoo
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in Old Hurst, Huntingdonshire, leaving him with serious injuries.
What we know so far
Cambridgeshire Police said they were called to Johnson’s of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, just before 1.30pm on Thursday after reports that a boy had “ended up in the crocodile enclosure”.
Police confirmed the boy is in a “critical but stable” condition in hospital, after reports he was “thrown” into the enclosure.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Big Read
7 min read
Man and child ‘not known to each other’
At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances. We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.
Detective Inspector Verity McCann, Cambridgeshire Police
Caption: close-up of a crocodile lying in the sand of a zoo with its mouth open and a pond behind it, frontal view
Photographer: aire images
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF
Off-peak visitor hoursstone henge
Provider: Gavin Haines
Copyright: ? English Heritage Trust
Provider: Gavin Haines
Copyright: ? English Heritage Trust
news
Older version of Stonehenge found three miles from famous site
Two unassuming holes in the ground
in Bulford, Wiltshire, indicate a
sun-worshipping ritual which predates the ancient landmark by about 500 years, a new archaeological discovery suggests.
Simpler version of stone circle
Archaeologists believe ancient worshippers would celebrate the winter and summer solstices at the earlier site, which dates to around 5,000 years ago – about 500 years before Stonehenge proper. They believe two wooden posts, long since rotted but leaving the holes which held them, would have lined up precisely with sunrise on 21 June and sunset on 21 December, just like the Stonehenge stones.
People gather at Stonehenge, Wiltshire, during sunrise on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Picture date: Saturday June 21, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Zhanna Manukyan/PA Wire
Explained
2 min read
Planning for Stonehenge?
The discovery of Bulford actually suggests that maybe the people who built the first stages of Stonehenge were based or living there, or at least gathering seasonally to do the construction work at Stonehenge.
dr jennifer wexler, curator of history at english heritage
Caption: AMESBURY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Members of the Shakti Sings choir sing as druids, pagans and revellers gather in the centre of Stonehenge, hoping to see the sun rise, as they take part in a winter solstice ceremony at the ancient neolithic monument of Stonehenge near Amesbury on December 22, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. A large crowd gathered at the famous historic stone circle, a UNESCO listed ancient monument to celebrate the sunrise closest to the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The event is claimed to be more important in the pagan calendar than the summer solstice, because it marks the ‘re-birth’ of the Sun for the New Year. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Photographer: Matt Cardy
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
More discoveries made at site
The site was discovered when developers cleared land for military housing 10 years ago. Phil Harding, of Wessex Archaeology, noticed the holes looked to be aligned with the sun and took measurements to confirm this.
Caption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY JUNE 18
Undated handout illustration issued by Wessex Archaeology of a disc shaped flint knife found at Bulford by Phil Harding of Wessex Archaeology. Archaeologists have discovered a 5,000-year-old structure that may have served as an early “prototype” for the alignment for the solstice at Stonehenge. A Wessex Archaeology team led by TV’s “Time Team” archaeologist Phil Harding have announced the discovery three miles from the world-famous stone circle, a few days before the summer solstice when thousands will flock to Stonehenge for the sunrise. Issue date: Thursday June 18, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Wessex Archaeology/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Wessex Archaeology
Provider: Wessex Archaeology/PA Wire
Source: PA
Caption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY JUNE 18
Undated handout photo issued by Wessex Archaeology of Phil Harding at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. Archaeologists have discovered a 5,000-year-old structure that may have served as an early “prototype” for the alignment for the solstice at Stonehenge. A Wessex Archaeology team led by TV’s “Time Team” archaeologist Phil Harding have announced the discovery three miles from the world-famous stone circle, a few days before the summer solstice when thousands will flock to Stonehenge for the sunrise. Issue date: Thursday June 18, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Wessex Archaeology/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Wessex Archaeology
Provider: Wessex Archaeology/PA Wire
Source: PA
Other artefacts, including pottery, animal bones and a rare Neolithic flint knife, were found there, suggesting it was a place of ritual worship.
health
The drugs affected by ‘most severe’ shortages ever seen
Caption: File photo dated 16/11/09 of a pharmacist stocking shelves. Pharmacy staff are facing “escalating abuse” from patients while at work, with reports of racism, verbal attacks and violence, a survey has found. Around one in five pharmacy owners said verbal abuse was a daily occurrence, according to Community Pharmacy England. Issue date: Thursday March 26, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Photographer: Julien Behal
Provider: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Source: PA Wire
Drug shortages are some of the worst GPs and pharmacists have ever seen, according to experts.
Industry bodies have warned common medications such as painkillers and prescriptions to manage blood pressure could be affected.
Some of the drugs affected
Ramipril high blood pressure drug is one of those affected, together with prescription co-codamol and some strengths of low-dose aspirin.
There are ongoing shortages of Creon, which helps people with conditions including cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer digest food.
Serious shortage protocols are also in place for Estradot, a form of hormone replacement therapy.
WELLBEING
7 min read
These shortages are some of the most severe the UK has experienced. Our medicines market has never been so volatile, with patients and primary care colleagues at the sharp end of events outside of their control
Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association
Caption: Olivier Picard, pharmacist and chair of the National Pharmacy Association (Photo: Supplied)
Source: Olivier Picard
More health from The i Paper
‘The first line of defence’ against the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has ‘collapsed’ and there are ‘likely’ more cases than official figures tell us, according to Oxfam. There are currently over 780 confirmed cases and over 180 deaths according to the DRC health ministry – making it the largest outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola on record. But Oxfam have warned that, because of a lack of clean water and sanitation, the true numbers are probably far higher. #ebola #ebolavirus
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Photographer: Peter Dazeley
Provider: Getty Images
Source: The Image Bank RF
news
The city where you’re most likely to get a speeding fine
New data reveals an unexpected hotspot for speeding tickets, beating London for the average cameras per square mile.
Here is everything you need to know.
Which city takes the top spot?
Drivers in Bradford are the most likely to get caught speeding, with 84 cameras and the highest concentration of speeding cameras per square mile of anywhere in the UK.
It’s the only city in the country to have more than two cameras per square mile, partly due to the roll-out of 20mph zones across the city in the last few years.
MONEY
4 min read
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
Where else should I watch my speed?
Caption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY OCTOBER 16
File photo dated 11/12/19 of a speed camera in London. A surge in drivers being caught by speed cameras has been blamed for a 12% increase in the number of penalty points added to licences last year. Issue date: Thursday October 16, 2025. PA Photo. Figures obtained by Co-op Insurance show drivers in Britain received 9.61 million points in 2024. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire
Photographer: Ian West
Provider: Ian West/PA Wire
Source: PA
London has the most cameras at 671, with 1.93 per square mile.
Just west of the capital Hounslow has 72 cameras, 1.86 per square mile.
Tipton in the West Midlands comes in fourth with 1.57 per square mile.
Housing nightmares
6 min read
The wider context
According to the Government’s vehicle compliance statistics, the number of drivers getting caught speed is increasing, and has been for some time. Some 1.84 million drivers attended a speed awareness course in 2024, a 3 per cent rise on the previous year and a 139 per cent increase on figures from 2011.
Explained
5 min read
Big Read
6 min read
Watch more from The i Paper
Exclusive | Vigilantes are – once again – attempting to launch a military-inspired operation to bring a stop to migrants crossing the English Channel, after previous efforts failed and infighting tore one leading group apart following The i Paper‘s coverage of their secret plans. Banned from France after slashing migrant boats last year, one far-right figure is now turning his attention to the English coast. Daniel Thomas, an associate of Tommy Robinson, is planning to put “50 boats” in the English Channel and lock down the Port of Dover to stop migrants from entering the UK. Read Sanya’s full piece on @theipaper website.
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Teacher given whole life order for sex abuse and murder of baby
A schoolteacher has been handed a whole life order for the murder and sexual abuse of his adopted 13-month-old baby he treated as a “plaything”.
Caption: Undated handout photo originally issued on 21/04/26
by Lancashire Police of Preston Davey. Jamie Varley, 37 has been found guilty of the murder and sexual abuse of 13-month-old baby Preston at Preston Crown Court on Monday. John McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child. Issue date: Monday June 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Lancashire Police
Provider: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA
Teacher to spend life behind bars
Varley, 37, was handed a mandatory life sentence at Preston Crown Court today for murder, sexual assault, child cruelty and taking indecent images of a child.
Caption: Undated handout photo issued by
by Lancashire Police of John McGowan-Fazakerley. Jamie Varley, 37 has been found guilty of the murder and sexual abuse of 13-month-old baby Preston Davey at Preston Crown Court on Monday. John McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child. Issue date: Monday June 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Lancashire Police
Provider: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA
Caption: Undated handout photo issued by
by Lancashire Police of Jamie Varley, 37 who has been found guilty of the murder and sexual abuse of 13-month-old baby Preston Davey at Preston Crown Court on Monday. John McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child. Issue date: Monday June 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Lancashire Police
Provider: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA
His partner John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was sentenced to 25 years for sexual assault and allowing the death of Preston, who they adopted at nine months old in 2022.
A closer look at the detail
Baby Preston was adopted by the couple after being taken away from his mother, Sarah Davey, at five days old, and was subjected to a series of sexual and violent attacks before being killed by Varley on 27 April, 2023.
He was taken to Victoria Blackpool hospital and seen by social services multiple times during his short life.
Caption: Undated handout photo originally issued on 21/04/26
by Lancashire Police of Preston Davey. Jamie Varley, 37 has been found guilty of the murder and sexual abuse of 13-month-old baby Preston at Preston Crown Court on Monday. John McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of allowing the death of a child, two counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child. Issue date: Monday June 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Lancashire Police
Provider: Lancashire Police/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA
Analysis
4 min read
Little Preston was taken from his mother and put into the care of the state. The state has failed him. We need to do better. I’ve been waiting for this Child Protection Authority to be set up. There’s been a consultation, it’s gone too slow.
dame rachel de souza, children’s commissioner
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza (Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
poliics
Here’s what happens if Burnham loses Makerfield
Voters in Makerfield go to the polls today to decide whether to send Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to Westminster.
But they could choose to send Reform UK’s candidate Robert Kenyon to Parliament instead. Here’s what that would look like for Labour and the country.
Could Reform win in Makerfield?
Reform are polling at
24%
As of 6 June, but another right-wing party, Restore Britain, is at 13 per cent.
This means that if voters unite behind Reform today, they could beat Burnham or could split the vote.
35%
Another option is that Restore voters simply don’t turn out, leaving Reform as the only significant challenger.
A defeat would return Burnham to his Manchester mayoralty.
Scenario one: Streeting challenges
With Burnham out of the running, Wes Streeting would be the main challenger to Starmer. The former health secretary claims he has the support of enough MPs to trigger a leadership contest, and would do so if Burnham doesn’t.
He’s not as popular with the membership though and could still lose to Sir Keir Starmer.
Big Read
5 min read
Scenario two: Starmer sets a date
Starmer might conclude the writing is on the wall and agree to set a timetable for his departure. One option would be to tack any contest onto the autumn Labour conference, similar to how the Conservatives ran their 2024 leadership race.
The longer run-up would give more candidates time to build support, such as Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, Yvette Cooper or Shabana Mahmood.
POLITICS
9 min read
POLITICS
4 min read
Scenario three: Strarmer survives, for now
A Burnham defeat could be the best outcome for the Prime Minister.
The rise of Reform could spook Labour MPs into staying loyal.
A challenge by anyone else would not be guaranteed to succeed.
Big Read
5 min read
What would a Makerfield victory mean for Reform?
Beating Burnham would be a major moment for the party. It would show that Nigel Farage’s party can beat even the most popular Labour figures, and do so in what were long considered Labour heartlands.
It would be a sign of how the next general election could play out – a straight Labour-Reform fight across the hundreds of seats, with Labour forced to defend seats it can no longer take for granted, and Green and Conservative supporters having to choose who they want to keep out, rather than elect.
OPINION
3 min read
Big Read
6 min read
More politics from The i Paper
The US-Israeli war with Iran largely stopped shipping through the Hormuz Strait for around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply, along with products such as aluminium and urea (Photo: Amirhosein Khorgooi/Isna/Wana via Reuters)
world
What’s in the Iran-US peace deal?
After Donald Trump signed the Memorandum of Understanding during the G7 summit in France, the long-awaited deal is finally confirmed.
Here is everything we know is in it so far – including the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
Ceasefire declared on all fronts
The 14-point deal begins by establishing an end to the conflict everywhere, including Lebanon. Israel is not part of the deal, though, so it is unclear if it will abide.
Israeli forces attacked Lebanon yesterday and strikes have been reported this morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops will stay in Lebanon “for as long as necessary”, despite criticism from Trump.
OPINION
5 min read
Analysis
3 min read
Strait to reopen ‘immediately’
The US has pledged to end its blockade of the key global shipping route, with all troops departing with 30 days and ships to start passing through once mines have been cleared. Officials have said tolls will not be charged on the passage, though Iran has not confirmed this.
A long-term plan for the management of the Strait is to be agreed with other Gulf states.
Caption: FILE PHOTO: Vessels are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 3, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo/File Photo
Photographer: Reuters
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS
Explained
4 min read
Final deal ‘within 60 days’
Caption: A woman holds an Iranian flag on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 10, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. ISRAEL OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN ISRAEL. NO ACCESS FOR ISRAELI MEDIA. NO USE BBC PERSIAN. NO USE VOA PERSIAN. NO USE MANOTO. NO USE IRAN INTERNATIONAL. NO USE RADIO FARDA. DIGITAL: NO USE BBC PERSIAN. NO USE VOA PERSIAN. NO USE MANOTO. NO USE IRAN INTERNATIONAL. NO USE RADIO FARDA.
Photographer: Majid Asgaripour
Provider: via REUTERS
Source: Wana News Agency
The US and Iran will “respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and not interfere.
Around $300bn (£224bn) is pledged for Iran’s reconstruction – but not from the US.
Economic sanctions on Iran will end and frozen assets released.
Explained
4 min read
No nuclear weapon for Iran
This has been a key sticking point for negotiations and Iran appears to have finally agreed to the US’s demand. A plan to “downblend” Iran’s current stock of enriched uranium will be “mutually agreed upon” in later talks, and the US has made the lifting of sanctions conditional upon Iran’s compliance.
Both sides agreed to maintain the “status quo” for now, with no new sanctions or uranium enrichment.
Caption: This handout satellite image courtesy of Vantor taken on September 16, 2002 and released on March 2, 2026 shows a view of the Natanz nuclear complex facility under construction with the vehicle ramp and personnel entrances visible near Natanz, Isfahan province, Iran. Iran accused Israel and the United States on March 2 of having attacked its nuclear facility at Natanz, one of the main targets of the previous conflict between the three countries last June. (Photo by Satellite image ??2026 Vantor / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO/ SATELLITE IMAGE ??2026 VANTOR” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS – THE WATERMARK MAY NOT BE REMOVED/CROPPED
Photographer: –
Provider: Satellite image ??2026 Vantor/AFP
Source: AFP
Copyright: Satellite image ?2026 Vantor
This satellite image taken in November shows tunnel construction at Pickaxe Mountain near the Natanz nuclear facility, where enriched uranium is thought to be stored (Photo: Vantor/Maxar/Digital Globe/Getty)
Watch more from The i Paper
US President Donald Trump said that he has a great relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but that he must be more responsible with respect to Lebanon. Speaking at the G7 summit, Trump said he told Israel that he did not like its attack on Beirut and suggested that Syria should take care of Hezbollah instead of Israel. donaldtrump potus G7
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WEATHER
The weather to expect this weekend
Caption: As record-breaking spring temperatures continue in the capital, visitors buy ice creams on Westminster Bridge, on 26th May 2026, in London, England. The record for the hottest day for May temperature in the UK has been broken for the second day in a row, with 35C recorded. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Photographer: Richard Baker
Provider: In Pictures via Getty Images
Source: In Pictures
Copyright: Richard Baker
Heatwave conditions are forecast for parts of the UK this weekend as temperatures rise, with some areas set to be hotter than Barbados.
Temperatures are expected to climb steadily into the high 20°Cs across the country later this week, and 30°C could be reached in southern parts of England by Friday, the Met Office said.
What is a heatwave?
In the UK, a heatwave is officially defined as a location recording at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, the Met Office says.
NEWS
4 min read
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
How hot will the UK get?
32°C
There is potential for 32°C to be reached in the south of England on Sunday and even higher temperatures could be recorded on Monday, when 33°C is forecast.
26-30°C
In comparison, the Caribbean island of Barbados is set to see temperatures fluctuate between 26°C and 30°C on Sunday.
Heat warnings issued
A yellow heat health alert was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, the east of England, London and the southeast of England from 3pm on Wednesday, and will remain in place until 8pm on Monday 22 June.
Unseasonal heatwaves have been recorded in southern California, as well as many other destinations (Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 06: People sit by the fountain during the hot weather in London, United Kingdom on September 06, 2023. The British Meteorological Office (Met Office), which issued a ‘red’ alarm by predicting that temperatures will reach 33 degrees this week, predicts that the temperature record of the year will be broken this week. According to the statement made by the Met Office, a temperature reaching 32-33 degrees is expected from today until Saturday, especially in the south of the country and London. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Photographer: Anadolu Agency
Provider: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Source: Anadolu
A yellow heat health alert means there is likely to be a “greater risk to life of vulnerable people” and water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning, the UKHSA’s website states.
Which areas will see spells of rain?
Although it will be warm for many, some areas will experience spells of rain. Northern and western parts of the UK will be particularly affected by wet weather. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms across southeastern England, forecasters said.
Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 4: Citizens use umbrellas and raincoats to walk through the streets as rainy weather disrupts daily life across London, United Kingdom, on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Photographer: Anadolu
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Source: Anadolu
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 02: Lightning flashes are seen above homes on June 02, 2026 in London, England. The Met Office issued a weather warning that heavy rain was thunderstorms were expected to cross the whole country on Monday. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
It has long been a priority of the Trump administration to get European countries to increase their defence spending. One goal of this summit was to get member states to set out how they would reach a target of 3.5 per cent of GDP spent on defence by 2035. Hegseth even involved himself in how this should be paid for – a breach of the longstanding custom that allies don’t involve themselves in each other’s internal affairs – by criticising welfare spending.
Hegseth, displaying an uncharacteristic flash of diplomatic mettle, did not name individual countries during his remarks, but the implication that much of his criticism was levelled towards the UK is impossible to avoid.
John Healey resigned as Britain’s defence secretary last week amid a row over the Defence Investment Plan, arguing it didn’t spend nearly enough to meet the UK’s commitments. Sir Keir Starmer limited the US military’s use of British bases for Iranian operations. The argument over welfare versus defence is a live one in UK politics.
It has long been a priority of the Trump administration to push European countries into defence spending increases (Photo: Ludovic Marin / AFP via Getty Images)
Hegseth was clearly putting the UK on the naughty step. But perhaps he should pause first. The story in recent decades is not one of the US constantly riding to the rescue of the UK. If anything, it is the opposite.
Britain committed more troops than any nation except the US to the post-9/11 conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance, of which the UK is a key member, is vital to US spying efforts worldwide. The UK buys billions of dollars’ worth of US defence technology every year.
Starmer’s government has spent endless time and political capital trying to solve legal issues around Diego Garcia to keep a US military base in operation on that territory. Even in the recent US-Iran conflict, UK forces and equipment were deployed to help defend US assets and troops across the region.
With Hegseth, it’s not quite clear whether he doesn’t care about any of these contributions, has forgotten about them, or never bothered to learn about them in the first place. Whichever it is, his attitude towards the UK seems confused: the UK is a small island off the extreme western shore of Europe, far away from any major ongoing conflicts. Given that, it has been far more proactive in global affairs than any “free-rider” might be.
Europe as a whole has some right to be aggrieved by Hegseth’s remarks: the EU and its allies have had to work to find the funds to support Ukraine’s ongoing resistance against Russia’s invasion of its territory when the US abruptly abandoned its longstanding ally after Trump’s re-election. The transatlantic alliance increasingly resembles a disintegrating marriage rather than a special relationship.
There are, of course, valid criticisms to level against the UK on defence. Newly minted Secretary of Defence Dan Jarvis arrived at this week’s Nato summit empty-handed – with no defence investment plan, no extra defence funding, and little sense of how either might be accomplished.
The UK government seems endlessly keen to talk about the need for deep cooperation on defence, and for Europe to collectively rearm, but gets very quiet indeed when the subject of paying for any of it comes up. It has been guilty of trying to boost defence spending more through accounting tricks – moving the costs of military housing or pensions into defence budgets, and similar – than actually finding new cash.
But few will find themselves wanting to hear those criticisms from Hegseth, a man who seems to care more about the favourable Maga media coverage he’ll get for being seen to criticise Europe than the strategic consequences of damaging relations with America’s longstanding allies. Hegseth is not a serious man, so few European leaders take him seriously.
Even so, Hegseth’s words carry some weight. A few years ago, it seemed like Europe and the UK would have to boost their defence spending to hold Nato together and keep Trump onside. With every month that passes, it looks more like they might have to invest in defence for a much simpler reason: if Europe really needed America’s help tomorrow, how confident are we that it would actually arrive?