UK and US defence secretaries speak for first time since Trump took office
Friday, 31 January 2025 Pete Hegseth, the new US defence secretary, spoke with his British counterpart John Healey by phone on Friday in their first conversation since taking office, Sky News can reveal.
Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating as the United States reaffirms its military alliance with the Philippines. During a high-profile visit to the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with full honours, signalling a deepening of defence ties.
The US vowed to defend Philippine forces and assets in the Pacific, directly warning China against continued aggression in disputed waters. Marcos’ upcoming meeting with U.S President Donald Trump is expected to further solidify the alliance, with defense cooperation and tariffs on the agenda.
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The Pentagon is facing yet another high-profile departure as Justin Fulcher, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is set to step down after only six months on the job. Fulcher is now the sixth senior official to leave the department since Hegseth's controversial appointment, raising serious questions about the stability and leadership within one of the world's most powerful military institutions. The news, first reported by CBS News as a firing, was quickly disputed by the Pentagon, with spokesman Sean Parnell calling the claim "false" and unfair to Fulcher.
This wave of resignations comes amid a turbulent tenure for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He has been at the center of multiple scandals, most notably a major security breach involving a Signal chat group discussing sensitive military operations, such as strikes in Yemen. In an unprecedented move, Hegseth reportedly added an editor from The Atlantic to this top-secret chat, a scandal that sent shockwaves through the defense community.
Justin Fulcher himself was no stranger to conflict within the Pentagon's walls. He reportedly stormed out of a heated meeting with the Pentagon's DOGE team in April and later claimed the Pentagon Force Protection Agency was actively searching for him. This incident allegedly infuriated Hegseth, who then personally confronted DOGE team lead Yinon Weiss for targeting his advisor. Despite the drama, Fulcher's departure statement was diplomatic, calling his time working with the Pentagon's personnel "incredibly inspiring." This video breaks down the full story behind the chaos at the Pentagon.
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Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Defense Department’s cloud services were previously supported by China-based engineers, raising national security concerns. Microsoft admitted to using teams in China for technical assistance but assured that no China-based staff will be involved moving forward. ProPublica revealed that limited U.S. oversight left critical Pentagon systems vulnerable, with personnel lacking the expertise to manage them effectively. Amid growing tensions with Beijing, Microsoft has pledged stricter controls to secure DoD cloud services against potential foreign risks.
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In a major shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a fresh $300 million military aid package to Ukraine, reportedly including rare Patriot surface-to-air missiles and medium-range rockets. The decision follows a brief and controversial Pentagon pause ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a known skeptic of increased aid to Kiev.
Trump’s move marks the first use of his Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing emergency arms transfers directly from U.S. stockpiles. While the Pentagon claimed the pause was a limited stockpile review, it had caused concern among European allies and Ukrainian officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that most weapons shipments were never stopped. Trump, who has reopened ceasefire talks with Russia, acknowledged the high cost of Patriot systems but said Ukraine still needs them. The Kremlin has warned the continued weapons flow contradicts peace efforts and further complicates diplomacy.
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In a dramatic turnaround, the Trump administration has resumed shipping weapons to Ukraine after a brief but controversial pause ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move had caught even White House officials off guard and temporarily halted deliveries of key systems including Patriot missiles, GMLRS rockets, and 155 mm Howitzer rounds. Trump claimed no knowledge of the pause, stating he hadn’t given the order. Pentagon officials say the review was part of a broader stockpile assessment.
But amid growing pressure from both allies and U.S. lawmakers, shipments resumed quietly—now including precision-guided rockets and artillery shells. Trump cited Russia’s rising brutality and President Putin’s conduct as reasons for restoring deliveries. The weapons—especially the 155 mm rounds—are critical in Ukraine’s defense. With the largest drone attack yet launched by Russia, Trump’s decision underscores the escalating urgency of the war. Over $67 billion in U.S. military aid has been sent since 2022.
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Defence Secretary John Healey and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu visit MBDA in Hertfordshire to view a Storm Shadow cruise missile. They are joined by MBDA executives from the UK and France during President Macron’s State Visit to the UK – highlighting defence cooperation between the two nations. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump were deep in conversation before the North Atlantic Council plenary meeting during the Nato Summit at the Hague, Netherlands.
Sir Keir Starmer entered Wednesday’s meeting alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Mr Healey hails the UK's committment to buy a fleet of new fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapon. John Healey attends the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. Among other matters, members are to approve a new defence investment plan that raises target for defense spending to 5% of GDP. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The UK's nuclear weapons centre in Berkshire is set to be expanded, the defence secretary has said. John Healey visited the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston to mark its 75th anniversary, saying the site is providing security for "generations to come".
Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
John Healey says it is a “dangerous moment for the entire region” as tensions escalate in the Middle East with Iran and Israel exchanging strikes. Speaking at RUSI, the defence secretary says the government has “grave concerns” over Iran’s nuclear programme and outlines defence measures the government is taking regarding the conflict.
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Thailand-Cambodia War Breaking: During a visit to Scotland, Donald Trump revealed he had spoken with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, urging an immediate ceasefire amid rising border tensions. Trump warned both governments that continued conflict would halt any future U.S. trade deals. Under U.S. pressure, Cambodian and Thai leaders agreed to meet for peace talks. As the U.S. signals readiness to mediate, the region braces for possible diplomatic and economic fallout if hostilities continue.
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Another Gaza ceasefire deal has crumbled, with Hamas accusing former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of undermining peace efforts. Hamas officials claim they were never informed of the U.S.-Israel decision to abandon indirect talks. Trump blamed Hamas for “acting in bad faith,” hinting at possible U.S. military action in Gaza. As rockets rain on Israel and IDF strikes continue, families of hostages and thousands of Palestinians lose hope for an end to the conflict. Netanyahu echoed Trump, vowing “alternative options” with U.S. backing.
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Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:05Published