THE government is working to improve the UK’s war readiness, Policing Minister Sarah Jones has said.

Speaking on GB News, she said: “The Strategic Defense Review said we need to be much better at war readiness, and that is what we are doing. We are investing £270 billion this parliament in our defence. That is the highest figure any time since the Cold War.

“We are clearing up the mess that we were left with. But it is not fair to say that we have not been there in that defensive role, because we have, and also we have been playing a leadership role, doing the work with our 40 allies to work out how we can open the Strait of Hormuz in a way that is safe.

“Of course, the ceasefire is really positive, but those shipping companies, our insurers, everybody needs to be sure that they can operate in a safe way. And of course, that strait is so important for the cost of living here, which is why it’s such a focus for this government.”

She added: “The Strategic Defense Review said we need to be better at war readiness after the real cuts that we saw under the last government. We are putting that right, but they left us with fewer ships, and of course, a lot of them needing repairs.

“What’s happened with HMS Dragon is it stopped for a planned logistical check, and there were some technical issues which will be resolved very quickly.

“As I said, we have a significant presence in the Gulf. We have done since before the war started, and we are supporting our allies in that region with a defensive measure, with the jets, with the Typhoons and all of that activity, and I know that everybody will be grateful to those people who are there protecting our interests.”

Asked if relations between Britain and the USA have been damaged, Jones said: “Well, we know that the relationship, as you say, is a very important one, and it will continue to be a very important one.

“We did not take part in this offensive that the President of the United States and Israel have embarked on. We want it to stop.

“We think that the language that the President used yesterday was wrong, and we need to make sure we’re clear about that. But that relationship is an important one, and we will make sure it continues to be an important one.”