UK and Australia must draw ‘even closer together in defence of our values’, David Cameron says

The former UK prime minister says his nation’s involvement in the AUKUS deal shows its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron says the UK and Australia must draw ‘even closer together in defence of our values’. Picture: Daniel LEAL / AFP

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has declared his nation’s involvement in the landmark AUKUS deal shows its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, as Australia and the UK face down a world that’s increasingly presenting “alternative models of authoritarian capitalism”.

Ahead of the annual Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles this week, Mr Cameron said he was “in awe” of what Australia had built and the relationships it had forged.

“That goes for politicians too – and it transcends party. Rudd and Gillard, Abbott and Turnbull – all very different people from different parties, but all great partners,” he said in an opinion article written in The Australian.

“In fact, I still see them all today.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Picture: Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

He said Australia and Britain had both progressed their multiculturalism since he was leader in 2016, with Rishi Sunak and Senator Wong being the first people of Asian descent in their respective roles as UK prime minister and Australian foreign minister.

“The world can see itself in Australia and Britain,” he said.

But Mr Cameron said some of the trends facing the world today presented “daunting challenges” to Australia and the UK to defend against.

“AUKUS shows our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This is the biggest investment in our global security for half a century,” he said.

“We are absolutely focused on maximising the opportunities it offers our defence industries and capabilities.

“We have to show democracies can tackle global challenges. Since I was Prime Minister, it has become much clearer how we are competing with those with an alternative model of authoritarian capitalism.”

He urged for the continued support for Ukraine and defending against extremism, while ensuring small island nations in the Pacific could access financing for their green climate projects.

Besides the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the war in Gaza is also expected to feature in the meeting, with Mr Cameron having voiced concern earlier this year over Israel potential breaching international law in its military activities.

Mr Cameron said Australia and the UK should “take heart” from the transformation of their bilateral relationship in recent years.

“When I became Prime Minister, both sides knew our ties could be stronger. Together, we chose to turn that around,” he said.

“Today, we know this gives us a platform to come even closer together in defence of our values. We must make the right choice once again.”