UK Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey recently concluded a three-day port visit to Manila, marking a significant moment in the UK-Philippines relations as the two countries celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The visit, which ran from 6 to 9 May, formed part of HMS Spey’s continued deployment in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the UK’s enduring and permanent maritime presence in the region. During its time in the country, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer, Commander Daniel Briscoe paid courtesy calls with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard. The ship also hosted a reception, bringing together diplomatic and defence guests to mark eight decades of UK-Philippines friendship. The crew also visited communities in Tondo affected by a recent fire, demonstrating the people-to-people ties underpinning our bilateral relationship.
The visit builds on the momentum of recent high-level engagement between the two countries. Last year, the UK Minister for Defence in the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, visited Manila, which saw the announcement that the two Governments would enter into discussions on the creation of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). This would enable practical defence cooperation between British and Philippine armed forces.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE stated
As the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of diplomatic relations, HMS Spey’s visit to Manila is a timely reminder of the strength and breadth of our partnership. The UK’s permanent presence in the region demonstrates our long-term commitment to regional security, rules-based international order, and to working with likeminded partners like the Philippines.
She further added
Through our growing cooperation, we are deepening a relationship that supports stability, economic resilience and respect for international law.
Commander Daniel Briscoe RN, Commanding Officer of HMS Spey said
It is a privilege to visit Manila at such a significant moment of UK-Philippines relations. The warmth of our reception from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard reflects deepening engagement and shared commitment to maritime cooperation.
The visit also comes at a time of heightened global focus on the importance of open sea lanes. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently highlighted how disruptions to critical maritime routes can have far-reaching consequences on global trade, economic stability and food and energy security. Against this backdrop, the UK continues to work with partners to uphold freedom of navigation, respect the law of the sea and reinforce a rules-based international order that supports open and resilient economies.
HMS Spey and her sister ship HMS Tamar maintain a persistent Royal Navy presence in the Indo-Pacific as part of a long-term deployment that began in 2021.
Working alongside regional partners, the ships support efforts to address security challenges, tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and assist countries in responding to the impacts of climate change.