The Future of UK/US Relations Following the US Election - First Posted 9 Nov 2024

 Throughout my military career, and already in my role as a UK Member of Parliament, I have had the privilege to work alongside our brothers and sisters from the United States. From Exercising with the US Air Force in South Carolina, to operating alongside US Forces in Iraq and across the United States, to training with them here in the UK, I have always regarded them more closely than allies, rather as friends. 

I use the term brothers and sisters sincerely: Our forebears stood together – along with our European and Commonwealth allies – to defeat fascism and tyranny in the 20th Century. D-Day, so heavy in the minds of Americans and British alike, was planned and executed collaboratively from the South Coast of the UK.

The friendship and alignment of our two nations prevailed despite the debacle of the Suez Crisis in 1956, and through the frictions caused by the Falklands Conflict in 1982. Despite conflicting interests, US authority to use its airfield on Ascension Island enabled Britain to liberate the Falkland Islands. Our relationship continues regardless of our respective heads of state, bound by the strongest diplomatic, economic and military ties, and by intelligence shared right here in Gloucestershire.  

Millions of people across the world will have met the result of the US presidential election this week with fear and doubt. Will the President Elect continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, or surrender under pressure from Putin? Will he continue support to or even maintain US membership of NATO, and will he honour the US’ commitment to Article 5, should a NATO member be attacked? What will be his impact on the UK economy? What does this result mean for the climate emergency and the global transition away from fossil fuels? 

Whatever the answers, our role in the UK will be to continue to work closely with the US toward our shared goals, British interests and those of our allies. 

Wherever the US may withdraw its leadership or investment, lies an opportunity for the UK and our European neighbours to fill that void. The most urgent contingency must be a meeting with NATO and European allies to prepare to support Ukraine regardless of the President Elect’s position. 

Here in the UK, the Liberal Democrats and I will continue to resolutely and vocally promote our liberal values of democracy, humanity, dignity and empathy.

Cam.