House of Commons · Westminster Hall
04 February 2025 · 19 other contributors · 14,631 words
Opened by John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway
Responding minister: Stephen Doughty
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
John Cooper raised concerns about uk-us bilateral relationship in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks the Minister to offer reassurance that Britain will use its freedoms from Brexit to strike deals and avoid being subservient to foreign governments or the EU.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
President Trump's trade policies could impact key UK exports such as Scotch whisky. The UK is more services-oriented than goods, potentially making it a target for tariffs. Labour's policies are seen as self-harming, with the Employment Rights Bill causing concern.
Asked the Minister to address the different nature of the current US Administration compared to previous ones.
Asked her hon. Friend to agree that it would be outrageous if Northern Ireland did not benefit equally from any US trade deal, due to the protocol in place.
Expressed concern about reducing the UK-US relationship to personality politics and advocated for critical friendship rather than blind obedience, emphasizing strategic leverage in negotiations.
Paid tribute to her work as British ambassador to Washington, highlighting the growth in trade from £123.5 billion in 2010 to £294.1 billion by end of third quarter 2024.
Agreed with Helen Maguire's concerns, adding that withdrawal from key agencies could impact global health and public health security in the UK.
Discussed concerns over trade deals with the US, particularly regarding standards for agricultural products like chlorinated chicken. He also pointed out the impact of the US withdrawing from the World Health Organisation on UK and global public health.
She expressed concern about the US decision to scrap USAID, stressing that this would worsen global instability.
Discussed the importance of mutual respect and equality in the relationship between the UK and US, critiquing past decisions like the invasion of Iraq.
Asked how a trade deal could be secured with the US while parts of the UK remain under EU control due to the Northern Ireland protocol.
Highlights the enduring relationship between the USA and Scotland through events like Tartan Week in New York.
Stressed the importance of shared values and history between UK and USA, defended diplomats' work for national interests, and highlighted his personal experience with US State Department's IVLP programme.
Replayed historical context of the US-UK relationship, emphasising the need for strong alliances while maintaining national principles. He highlighted personal experiences serving alongside American forces and criticised the Government's approach to the strategic defence review. Stressed the importance of immediate action in defence spending.
Asked for commitment on UK-US free-trade deal and plans for new state-level agreements, emphasizing the benefits for every part of the UK. Discussed defence and security co-operation within NATO, noting need to meet 2.5% GDP defence spending target by 2030. Called for transparency on Chagos islands deal discussions with US Administration, expressing concern about strategic assets being compromised. Asked about China audit and clarity in Chancellor's discussions with Chinese officials, highlighting concerns over anti-competitive trade practices. Inquired about US-led sanctions against Iran and plans for robust strategy towards Iran, including maximum pressure measures. Welcomed ceasefire deal in Middle East, stressing importance of working closely with the US on Abraham accords and lasting peace. Emphasized need for continued close co-operation with the US regarding Ukraine's security situation.
Discussed the potential of a special relationship with the incoming US Administration, highlighting President Trump's interest in a free trade deal and the importance of Diego Garcia. Suggested that Britain should not become a junior partner to America and implied historical British influence over the US.
Expressed concerns over the weakening of the UK-US special relationship due to recent government actions and statements. Emphasised economic ties worth more than £300 billion.
Discusses the importance of rebuilding alliances after past damage to international relations, highlights the positive engagement with President Trump and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach towards both US and EU relationships.
Emphasised that the relationship transcends Administrations, focusing on common agendas such as growth, defence, security, and prospects for their peoples.
Called for increased defence spending in line with US priorities, aiming for 2.5% of GDP to align UK with NATO expectations and strengthen the special relationship.
Welcomed the opportunities presented by President Trump's election and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the UK and the USA.
Government Response
Stephen DoughtyThe Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
It is good to see you in the Chair, Sir John. I know you are also a strong supporter of the UK-US relationship... Our US links have a powerful role to play in delivering on many UK missions: ensuring long-term peace and security in the middle east, Europe and the Indo-Pacific; growing the economy in both our countries; delivering on security for our citizens; and propelling the tech revolution to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future for us all—to name just a few. Described the strong economic ties between the UK and US, including trade worth £300 billion annually. Highlighted the importance of the Marshall scholarship programme and thanked Dame Karen Pierce for her leadership as ambassador to the US. Noted that despite differences, there is much agreement on growth, peace, security, and harnessing technology for benefit of citizens.