It was all smiles for the press when Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi visited Keir Starmer at No. 10 on Sunday for trade and security talks. But how friendly it all was behind the scenes is another question.
Doubts have been growing about the true state of the much-trumpeted new dawn of defence cooperation between Japan and the UK, and especially the future of the GCAP fighter jet project (a tripartite initiative with Italy to develop a sixth-generation stealth jet fighter by 2035).
Such concerns have only intensified since the dramatic resignations of defence secretary John Healey and veterans minister Al Carns last week.
✍️ Philip Patrick
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🇯🇵🚨 Japan’s PM arrives in London with zero official reception — just the aircraft crew.
No red carpet. No formal welcome.
This isn’t random protocol. It reflects how her direction is being received internationally.
While pushing militarization, surveillance bills, and closer alignment with certain powers, Japan’s image as an independent, peace-oriented nation takes hits.
Japanese citizens have been clear in their protests — defending Article 9, privacy, and the postwar peace that defined their country’s dignity for decades.
The people want a Japan respected for its principles, not diminished by leadership that prioritizes foreign agendas over national sovereignty and public will.
True strength comes from listening to your own citizens and upholding the constitution that brought stability.
Solidarity with the Japanese people standing for peace and self-respect.