UK to remain US' closest ally despite defence budget cuts: Hague

Washington, Nov 18(ANI): British Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that his country would remain the United States' most important military ally despite the cuts to the defence budget.

In a speech in Washington, Hague dismissed concerns that the UK's ability to respond to future threats would be diminished and the "special relationship" undermined by the cuts.

"Britain will remain a first rate military power and a robust ally of the US and in NATO well into the future," Sky News quoted Hague, as saying.

"We are confident that Great Britain is equipped to face the security challenges of the next decade and beyond, and to stand firm with its allies. We have a clear long-term vision of Britain as an active global power and the closest ally of the United States," he added.

The Foreign Secretary further said that the cuts would enable the UK to be even stronger in the future as its economy grows.

"This should be good news for our allies, and a timely reminder to potential adversaries that Britain still packs a punch on the world stage," Hague said. (ANI)