🤝 UK-US Bilateral Relationship

• UK-US Trade Relationship:
  • The UK and US have a significant trade relationship, with the UK exporting £179 billion and importing £112 billion worth of goods and services from the US in 2023.
  • Concerns were raised about potential US tariffs affecting UK exports like Scotch whisky, highlighting the need for strategic trade negotiations.
• Defence and Security Cooperation:
  • The UK and US have a strong defence partnership, critical for global security and maintaining NATO’s strength.
  • The UK’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP was discussed, with calls to ensure this aligns with US efforts to bolster NATO.
• Chagos Islands Issue:
  • Controversy surrounds the UK’s proposal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease them back, potentially affecting the strategic UK-US military base at Diego Garcia.
  • There was a call for clarity on discussions with the US regarding this deal and its implications for UK-US defence relations.
• Economic Policies and Growth:
  • Both countries face challenges with economic growth, and there is a mutual interest in fostering growth and protecting shared economic interests.
  • Concerns were voiced about the UK’s need to strike its own deals post-Brexit, using the freedoms obtained to benefit the economy.
• Foreign Policy and Global Alliances:
  • The debate touched on the UK’s position between the US and the EU, with calls for the UK to assert its independence and strengthen its special relationship with the US.
  • Discussions also covered the need for cooperation in addressing global threats, including issues with Iran, Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and China’s economic practices.
• Cultural and Personal Ties:
  • The deep cultural and familial connections between the UK and US were celebrated, including historical ties and President Trump’s personal Scottish heritage.
  • The role of educational exchanges and personal stories highlighted the enduring nature of the UK-US relationship.
• Health and Environmental Concerns:
  • The US’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement was noted as a concern for global health security and environmental cooperation.
  • There was a call for the UK to consider how these actions might impact its own public health and environmental strategies.
• Future Opportunities:
  • Opportunities for enhancing the UK-US relationship were highlighted, such as negotiating new trade deals and state-level agreements.
  • The UK’s ambition to lead in European security and work closely with the US on global issues like peace in the Middle East was emphasized.

The parliamentary session on the UK-US bilateral relationship displayed a moderate level of disagreement among the participants. The disagreements primarily centered around policy approaches, specific actions by the UK and US governments, and the future of the UK-US relationship, but they were generally expressed within a framework of acknowledging the importance of the relationship. Here are detailed examples to illustrate the level of disagreement present in the session:

1. Policy Disagreements: There was a significant divergence in views regarding the UK’s policy towards the Chagos Islands. John Cooper and Peter Bedford expressed strong criticism of the Labour Government’s approach, labeling it as a ‘national humiliation’ and worrying about its impact on the UK-US relationship. Stephen Doughty, the Minister, defended the approach, stating that the deal would secure the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for the long term, highlighting a policy disagreement but also a shared consensus on the importance of the military base.

2. Political Rhetoric and Personal Critiques: John Cooper’s opening speech contained harsh criticism of the Labour Government, accusing it of ineffective foreign policy and being too conciliatory towards the EU and China. This rhetoric was countered by Preet Kaur Gill, who emphasized the government’s commitment to rebuilding international relationships and dismissed the opposition’s ‘party political sniping.’ Here, the disagreement was evident in the tone and critique of each other’s political stances.

3. Economic Policies and Trade: There were differing opinions on the implications of a potential UK-US trade deal. Wendy Morton and Peter Bedford emphasized the need for a trade deal to boost economic growth, while Calum Miller cautioned against compromising UK standards, especially in agriculture. This disagreement focused on the details and conditions of economic partnerships rather than the idea of a relationship itself.

4. Defense and Security: While there was a consensus on the importance of defense collaboration, differences emerged on how to achieve it. Lincoln Jopp criticized the government’s approach to defense spending and strategic policy, while Steve Yemm advocated for increased spending to 2.5% of GDP, aligning with US expectations. This shows disagreement on the specifics of defense policy but not on the overarching goal.

5. Approach to International Relations: Iqbal Mohamed and Calum Miller criticized the nature of the UK-US relationship, describing it as ‘toxic’ and ‘abusive’ due to perceived power imbalances, and suggested the UK should pursue a more independent path. This represents a deeper disagreement on the nature of the relationship and the UK’s approach internationally, yet it was countered by other members who emphasized the enduring and vital nature of the special relationship.

Overall, the disagreements were significant but largely centered on specific policies and political rhetoric rather than fundamental opposition to the UK-US relationship. The session included a range of views that showed robust debate but also a shared understanding of the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties.