Ex-UK Defense threatened to cancel US helicopter order before leaving

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Sep 2023 09:46

UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace's proposal to cancel the contract was in an effort to join the ministry's plan to cut spending, as cited by the officials, adding that a letter was already sent to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, indicating that the contract could be canceled.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace speaks during a news conference following his meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow, Russia, Friday, February 11, 2022 (AP)

Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace threatened to abort a contract on supplies of Chinook helicopters from the US just a few weeks before resigning, according to The Times on Saturday, citing unnamed UK officials.

Per the contract, the UK was to receive 14 Chinook H-47 helicopters manufactured by US company Boeing, and the first batch was due to be delivered in 2026, according to the report.

However, Wallace's proposal to cancel the contract was to join the ministry's plan to cut spending, as cited by the officials, adding that a letter was already sent to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, indicating that the contract could be canceled.

The helicopters' costs could be a reason behind the intent to cancel, but his frustration over the US refusal to support his run for the NATO secretary general position also played a major role.

Wallace resigned after four years in office and presented his resignation letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

"After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down. I won my seat in 2005, and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected and to explore new opportunities," the letter stated.

In response, Sunak accepted the resignation, noting that he understands and is aware of his desire "to step down after eight years of exacting ministerial duties" and adding, "You leave the office with my thanks and respect".

That same day, former energy secretary of the United Kingdom, Grant Shapps, was appointed as the new defense secretary.

Ironically, Wallace is known for his central role in creating an international coalition to support Ukraine, as well as increasing the country's defense spending up to 2.25% of GDP, per a report by The Telegraph back in June this year, which added that Germany and France may not support Wallace's candidacy for the post of NATO Secretary General. Additionally, a number of NATO member countries could support the candidacy of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.