Britain must prepare as the ‘special relationship’ falters

In Britain’s industrial heartlands, the whir of high-spec machining centres is more than just an economic backdrop of activity: it is the bedrock of the nation’s defence capabilities.

By Jon Harper, Co-Owner and Director at International Precision Engineering

Yet many industry insiders now warn that the country is dangerously unprepared to face emerging threats if its longstanding “special relationship” with the United States continues to weaken.

Recent events – from the war in Ukraine to evolving political alliances – have also underscored the UK’s potential leadership role in Europe’s collective defence. Policymakers are hinting that the upcoming budget statement may herald a renewed industrial strategy, aimed squarely at bolstering British-based defence manufacturing.

For decades, the UK’s precision-engineering sector has served as a crucial supplier to the Ministry of Defence, providing everything from armour plating to aircraft components. However, lingering fallout from President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies – coupled with concerns about shifting US priorities – has left British defence manufacturers uneasy. The fear is that Washington could reduce its support, pivot focus elsewhere, or impose new restrictions on exports and technology-sharing.

There was a time when Britain could rely on the US to share the strategic burden. Now, it feels more like we’re waiting for the next presidential tweet – or a crisis in another region – to upend our supply chain. We simply cannot afford that level of uncertainty.

Trump’s legacy and the decline of certainty

For decades, the phrase “special relationship” connoted almost seamless military and industrial collaboration across the Atlantic. In reality, defence manufacturers and policymakers alike were caught off guard when the Trump administration introduced tariffs on critical metals and questioned traditional alliances. Although there have been brief moments of respite and efforts to rebuild trust, the aftereffects – alongside deeper shifts in American political sentiment – have prompted sober reflection within the UK’s defence sectors.

Many British steel firms now voice fears that US domestic priorities – or a future leader espousing isolationist rhetoric – could emerge again with greater force. In that event, they contend, Britain’s capacity to source critical materials, access shared technology, or rely on American logistical networks could be suddenly curtailed.

Ukraine as a wake-up call

The war in Ukraine has further underscored the fragility of Europe’s reliance on global supply chains. An unprecedented surge in demand for military hardware and equipment – from anti-tank weaponry to sophisticated radar systems – has put the spotlight on domestic production capabilities across NATO countries. British-engineered steel, prized for its precision and durability, plays a vital role in these industries. Yet with the US balancing its own defence needs, there is no guarantee that transatlantic suppliers will always prioritise the UK.

If a major conflict escalates, countries will naturally look inward to secure their own needs first. We’ve already seen how quickly supply lines can come under strain. If we keep relying on promises from Washington, we could find ourselves scrambling when we need critical components most.

Industry never truly went away

Some argue that part of the UK’s manufacturing base “went away” over the decades. In truth, many businesses simply moved to lower-wage economies such as China. Now, as new geopolitical realities reshape the defence sector, the need for robust, homegrown industry is clearer than ever. That latent industrial muscle can be revived – but it requires decisive investment and government support.

The Starmer question

On the domestic front, the role of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer looms large, especially given his stated commitment to reviving British industry. Industry observers argue that securing bipartisan support for stronger defence manufacturing is essential if the UK is to rebuild a robust supply chain. While successive governments have touted the idea of “Buy British” procurement, steel producers say they need long-term contracts and investments – not just campaign slogans – to modernise infrastructure and maintain a skilled workforce.

A homegrown supply chain can’t simply be switched on and off. If Britain wants to be serious about its own sovereignty, it needs real commitments to the defence sector manufacturing – regardless of who’s in power.

Time for a ‘Made in Britain’ renaissance?

Critics might argue that deepening domestic production could raise costs or cause friction with international partners. However, defence industry advocates – particularly those who work within precision-engineered steel – maintain that the benefits of self-sufficiency, or at least reduced dependency, far outweigh any temporary financial pain. They highlight the strategic vulnerabilities exposed by Brexit-related trade adjustments and pandemic-era disruptions, cautioning that defence needs must be insulated from similar shocks.

In parallel, the UK’s evolving leadership role in Europe’s security architecture – evidenced by its early and vocal support for Ukraine – suggests that shoring up domestic manufacturing is no longer just about stability; it is about influence. If Britain’s ambition is to step forward as a major defence leader on the continent, it must have an industrial base prepared to meet the demands of modern warfare.

We still value the alliance with America – of course we do. But if the ‘special relationship’ is no longer ironclad, then the only solution is to shore up our own capabilities. It’s about safeguarding British interests, full stop.

Expecting a boost from the Spring Statement

Industry insiders are now looking to the upcoming Spring Statement, hopeful that it will outline a new industrial spending strategy focused on revitalising Britain’s manufacturing backbone. They point to the resurgence in defence investment as not just a necessity, but also an opportunity to spur long-term economic growth. By tapping into domestic facilities – some of which have long supplied the Ministry of Defence – the UK could rejuvenate industrial areas, create skilled jobs, and reduce overreliance on foreign supply chains.

Beyond rhetoric
The upshot, experts conclude, is that the UK can no longer take for granted that international partnerships, even close ones, will endure unchanged. Britain’s steel sector is demanding a robust defence procurement strategy, anchored by domestic production and forward-looking investments in research and technology.

In an era marked by geopolitical realignments, the voices from Britain’s industrial core send an unambiguous message: sovereignty in defence begins with forging strong capabilities at home. If the UK wants to shield itself from the unpredictability of global politics – whether triggered by a shift in American leadership or a rapidly escalating conflict such as the one in Eastern Europe – there is no substitute for having the machinery, manpower, and materials ready on British soil.

About the author

Jon Harper is Co-Owner and Director at International Precision Engineering, a leading UK-based supplier of precision-engineered components to the defence sector. With extensive experience in British manufacturing, Harper advocates for resilient supply chains and a revitalised domestic industrial base.