The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that HMS Richmond, a Type 23 frigate deployed with the UK Carrier Strike Group, has visited Manila as part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation and expand trade links with the Philippines.
The visit forms part of the CSG’s eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment, which includes engagements with 30 countries. According to the MoD, the port call demonstrates Britain’s intent to maintain a continuous regional presence and deepen defence and economic partnerships.
Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker, visiting Manila alongside the ship, said: “The UK’s relationship with the Philippines is strong and continues to flourish. Together we can help shape a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
He added: “The deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific reflects the importance of the region to UK security and prosperity.”
The government has framed the visit within its Strategic Defence Review, which emphasised the indivisibility of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security and set a goal of raising defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027.
During the trip, Lord Coaker presented a letter of approval from Defence Secretary John Healey to begin discussions on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the Philippines. The MoD described this as a significant step that could lead to more joint exercises, naval cooperation, and capacity-building activity.
HMS Richmond hosted an industry day showcasing British defence technology, which the MoD said supports UK jobs and potential exports. Later this year, the UK will also take part in Exercise SAMA SAMA for the fourth time, contributing expertise to Philippine capacity-building efforts.
The Carrier Strike Group deployment involves around 4,000 personnel and covers the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-East Asia, Japan, and Australia, which the MoD has characterised as making the UK “secure at home and strong abroad.”
I feel a little bewildered by the seeming diplomatic blitzkrieg that has been ongoing for the last few months. Obviously the Asia Pacific element has been temporarily bolstered by CSG25 and will likely tail off but I can’t help but be encouraged by the whole thing. On the other hand, why do I get the feeling that ,at some point, Daddy Bear will be back and start noticing that someone has been eating his porridge?
Notwithstanding the issue with illegal immigrants, HMS Richmond’s visit is to signal that Philippino nurses are still welcome in the NHS 😉
“Notwithstanding the issue with illegal immigrants.” I mean, for sure, definitely not withstanding the issue! I wouldn’t imagine that Filipinos make up a significant number of illegal immigrants to the UK. Their nurses are most welcome in the NHS just like the ones from Africa and the Middle East and pretty much anywhere else. The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world while simultaneously always being understaffed, somehow, so they’re most welcome. :p
Well I was being a little frivalent of course. We can say nurses are welcome with an OPV. A frigate says we stand with you against Chinese strong arm tactics in disputed waters.
Unfortunately it seems Filipino nurses aren’t acceptable to Mr Farage and his personality cult.
I very much suspect that we will find out many British people are also not acceptable to Mr Farage.. I can see the list now, socialists, those with mental health conditions, the ill and infirm etc etc.
Yep, Reform policies are a thin wedge to eugenics
I’m not sure I would go that far..but I think the leadership of reform has an underlying level of unpleasantness that we have not seen in British politics since the 1930s.
💯
Forget the NHS being one of the largest employers that’s irrelevant because everyone else’s healthcare systems are broken up into smaller segments.. it’s the total number of staff working in the system NOT a specific organisation.. most of the so called NHS is actually independent private sector organisations anyway… you count the whole not a random component part.
Can I just say the Filipino community in this country has been vital to the running and staffing of UK hospital wards and ED departments.. they are 99% dedicated and good nurses, but not only that they bring with them their families who invariably work in the NHS as porters, cleaners and catering assistant, jobs that were always hard to recruit into.
But they also bring a vibrant, interesting and family oriented community that is always fun to observe and participate in.. there is nothing more funny than all the Filipino nurses calling one of their number ( the middle aged one with kids) Mother… it’s cute and shows a respect for structure and society we have lost a bit in the UK.
They are also always technically very good and once you have knocked that technical edge off a bit they are very good, British nursing is more of a sociological art form as much as a technical process.. because we have to manage very stroppy, entitled, independently minded, individualists who don’t like to conform with instructions or do what is recommended ( you can give a British patient all the technical reasons in the world why they need to do something.. but they won’t..you have to work them a bit..because the are entitled individualists.. patients in places like the Filipinos generally do as they are told).
Well said. Filipinos value faith, family and friends. They are a happy bunch, are quick learners and have a flexible and helpful mindset.
💯
A bit too late for any T31 sales or still worth trying for? I think their new frigates are mostly Korean and second hand donations from Japan. The Philippines have the Wildcat so may need more of those?
With this 8 month CSG showcasing the RN and UK industry you’d hope there’s some ROI on it all with some export orders for some UK equipment.