“This is going to represent the UK’s influence and values – the things we love and believe in – around the world, and the thing that is so wonderful seeing our Australian friends here today is that they want to do that with us,” he said.

“And you’re seeing a partnership developing between the UK and Australia and America, the kind that never existed before – I’m very proud of it. I know the next [UK] leader will be wanting to push that as well.”

Australia is acquiring nuclear submarine technology from Britain and the US as part of the AUKUS agreement and could buy a first boat from either country.

Each boat takes around a decade to produce, leaving Australia with a capability gap.

Johnson said the nuclear technology powering the boats made them silent, giving allies the crucial element of surprise over their enemies.

“I’ve just been out with the Metropolitan Police this morning on a dawn raid and I tell you how important is the element of surprise – we arrested a drug dealer and he was certainly surprised to see me at 5.30 in the morning,” he said.

“Therefore, what we are looking at is [being] the policeman of or the world, gathering intelligence, protecting our sea lanes, cruising up behind you silently ... helping to create that force field around us that has warded off attack on NATO countries for 80 years.

“She (HMS Anson) is a guarantor of peace.”

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Johnson signed off on AUKUS on behalf of Britain and has been one of the UK government’s biggest enthusiasts for closer ties with Australia.

Johnson’s visit to see the deputy prime minister is a testament to how seriously the Conservative government views its stronger trading and security ties with Australia.

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