Britain’s opposition Conservatives seek closer ties with US on military equipment projects

UK opposition seeks US ties on defense projects

LONDON — Britain’s main opposition party says it intends to work more closely with the U.S. on defense projects if it wins the next national election.

Conservative Party lawmaker Liam Fox said Monday that Britain should collaborate with Washington when acquiring or producing defense equipment.

Fox told a defense conference in London that his party plans a sweeping review of military spending if it takes office. Prime Minister Gordon Brown must call a national election by June 2010.

Britain has cooperated recently with the U.S. on the Joint Strike Fighter jet, though London complained the Pentagon failed to share information about the aircraft’s sensitive software.