- The Red Arrows are scheduled to tour the US this summer, participating in 13 events across seven states, to commemorate 250 years of American independence.
- Royal Navy ships and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will also join the celebrations, which include a major international flypast over New York on Independence Day.
- This tour follows a state visit by King Charles, which was intended to ease UK-US relations, which have been strained since President Donald Trump re-entered the White House.
- Mr Trump has previously warned European nations to increase defence spending or risk the US withdrawing from NATO, and has criticised Labour’s North Sea policies and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
- Defence Minister Lord Coaker said that the Red Arrows initiative demonstrates the unparalleled trust, professionalism, and shared purpose of the defence relationship between the two countries.
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