I don't know if the British gave a particular shit for any of that stuff. When Spain was ascendant, they allied with France and/or Austria and/or the Dutch rebels. When France was the main threat they aligned with Spain and as many Germans as they could reach. When Germany was on top, they made up with the French and when the Russians were on top it was all of the rest of Europe.
I think they latched on to whatever was available.
I think they latched on to whatever was available.