UK-US Co-operation 2020-11-24
2020-11-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
President-elect Joe Biden's victory prompts questions about future UK-US relations, particularly regarding international cooperation and aid spending.
What recent discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with President-elect Joe Biden's transition team on future co-operation between the UK and the US? Does he regret cutting foreign aid spending below 0.7%?
We send warm congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on winning the election. UK-US relations are strong in trade, security, and defence; we see opportunities ahead. We consistently showed leadership in aid and will continue. Defence spending increases show a dependable ally for the US.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Biden's transition team not detailed, only general statements on relations
We See Opportunities Ahead
We Consistently Showed Leadership In Aid
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
President-elect Joe Biden's election prompts scrutiny of UK foreign policy, particularly regarding aid spending and defense cooperation.
Does the Foreign Secretary regret the UK's plans to cut aid spending below 0.7% as President-elect Biden's team seeks to bring aid back to the centre of foreign policy?
The UK remains a leading country in aid, and we continue to show this commitment. We also indicated an increase in defence spending, which shows our reliability as an ally. The soundings with the incoming leadership indicate opportunities for strengthened relations on climate change and covid.
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Assessment & feedback
No regret mentioned about aid cuts; instead focused on UK's overall aid commitment
We Remain A Leading Country In Aid
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
President-elect Joe Biden's victory raises concerns about the integrity of US democratic processes due to President Trump's refusal to concede.
Does the Foreign Secretary now regret emboldening those who attack democracy by not asserting that all votes should be counted? Will he stand with me and defend free and fair elections?
Welcomes the historic election of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. The US has checks and balances in place for a definitive result. We warmly welcome the new Administration and look forward to working with them on strengthening democratic norms.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct commitment to defending free elections, only welcoming the new administration
The Us Has Checks And Balances In Place
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Yemen's humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the Saudi-led campaign, prompting calls for ending participation in or support of it.
Does the Secretary agree with incoming US officials that it's time to end any form of support for the disastrous Saudi-led campaign? Will he commit to playing the UK's part by ending arms sales to Saudi Arabia?
Agrees on pursuing every effort to get peace in Yemen, supportive of UN efforts. Encouraged and promoted regional push for a political end to conflict, noting Houthi's need to move as well.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to ending arms sales or supporting Saudi-led campaign mentioned
Encouraged And Promoted Regional Push
Response accuracy