Theresa May has promised to reinforce Britain’s close relationship with the US ahead of her trip across the Atlantic to meet with Trump.
May will be the first world leader to hold face-to-face talks with the President since his inauguration; the meeting will send a strong message to other nations of a British-American alliance going forwards.
Emphasis will be upon deepening the roots of our economic and commercial relationship post-Brexit. Also on the agenda will be shared issues of national security with the ever pending threat of Islamic State.
The Prime Minister will state: ‘It is through our actions over many years, working together to defeat evil… that we have been able to fulfil the promises of those who first spoke of the special relationship between us.
‘The promise of freedom, liberty and the rights of man.’
May will become the first foreign head of state to address the annual congressional Republican Retreat in Philadelphia, her first stop.
In fact, the Prime Minister will only hold audience with Republicans throughout her stay, frustrating Democrats in Washington.
There is concern that this decision will see the UK suffer after the US mid-term elections, when we will require approval in Congress of pivotal trade deals.
Whilst in Washington, May is also expected to visit Arlington National Cemetery, where British soldiers who fought alongside US forces are buried.
It seems the visit will focus on Britain’s historic unity and successes alongside the US. The Prime Minister will use Brexit as an opportunity to reflect nostalgically on the importance of strengthening this relationship:
‘And as we end our membership of the European Union – as the British people voted with determination and quiet resolve to do last year – we have the opportunity to reassert our belief in a confident, sovereign and global Britain, ready to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
‘So as we rediscover our confidence together – as you renew your nation just as we renew ours – we have the opportunity – indeed the responsibility – to renew the special relationship for this new age.
‘We have the opportunity to lead, together, again.’