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UK-US Bilateral Relationship
04 February 2025
Lead MP
John Cooper
Dumfries and Galloway
Con
Responding Minister
Stephen Doughty
Tags
NHSEconomyEmployment
Word Count: 14631
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
John Cooper raised concerns about uk-us bilateral relationship in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Calum Miller
Lab
Greenwich and Woolwich
Asked the Minister to address the different nature of the current US Administration compared to previous ones.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
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.
Chris Evans
Lab/Co-op
Caerphilly
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.
Karen Pierce
Con
Washington
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.
Winchester
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.
Epsom and Ewell
She expressed concern about the US decision to scrap USAID, stressing that this would worsen global instability.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Discussed the importance of mutual respect and equality in the relationship between the UK and US, critiquing past decisions like the invasion of Iraq.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
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.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Highlights the enduring relationship between the USA and Scotland through events like Tartan Week in New York.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
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.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
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.
MP
Con
Unknown
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.
Nigel Farage
Reform
Clacton
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.
Peter Bedford
Con
Mid Leicestershire
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.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
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.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Emphasised that the relationship transcends Administrations, focusing on common agendas such as growth, defence, security, and prospects for their peoples.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
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.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Welcomed the opportunities presented by President Trump's election and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the UK and the USA.
Government Response
Stephen Doughty
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.