The United Kingdom reaffirmed its long-term commitment to maritime security and regional stability as Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey concluded a three-day port visit to Manila, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Philippines.
The visit, held from May 6 to 9, formed part of HMS Spey’s continuing deployment in the Indo-Pacific, where the UK maintains what it describes as an enduring and permanent maritime presence.
During the port call, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer, Commander Daniel Briscoe, paid courtesy calls on the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, reflecting growing defense and maritime engagement between the two countries.
The ship also hosted a reception for diplomatic and defense guests to mark eight decades of UK-Philippines friendship. Its crew visited communities in Tondo affected by a recent fire, underscoring the people-to-people ties that continue to anchor the bilateral relationship.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE said the visit was a timely symbol of the deepening partnership between Manila and London.
“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,” Hulton said.
She added, “Through our growing cooperation, we are deepening a relationship that supports stability, economic resilience and respect for international law.”
Briscoe also described the Manila port call as significant, given the milestone year in UK-Philippines relations.
“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,” he said.
The visit comes as the UK and the Philippines pursue closer defense cooperation. Last year, UK Minister for Defense Lord Coaker visited Manila, during which the two governments announced plans to begin negotiations on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. The proposed SOVFA is expected to allow more practical cooperation between British and Philippine armed forces, including joint activities and training.
The port call also comes amid heightened global attention on the importance of open sea lanes, especially as disruptions to critical maritime routes continue to affect trade, energy, food security, and economic stability.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently stressed that threats to key maritime routes can have wide-ranging consequences for the global economy. Against this backdrop, the UK said it continues to work with partners to uphold freedom of navigation, respect for the law of the sea, and a rules-based international order that supports open and resilient economies.
HMS Spey and its sister ship HMS Tamar have maintained a persistent Royal Navy presence in the Indo-Pacific since 2021. Working with regional partners, the ships support efforts to address maritime security challenges, combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and help countries respond to the impacts of climate change.
HMS Spey is a River-class Batch 2 offshore patrol vessel and is considered one of the greenest ships in the Royal Navy.
The UK and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations in 1946. This year marks the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.