The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) has sparked vigorous debates over its future international trade and political alliances.
While the EU remains a significant economic partner, many argue that strengthening ties with the United States, particularly under a Donald Trump presidency, could offer unique opportunities that align with the UK’s vision for a post-Brexit future.
Trump’s “America First“ approach, often seen as controversial, presents both challenges and openings for the UK to establish a mutually beneficial partnership. This article explores why prioritising the U.S. over the EU could yield substantial advantages for Britain.
A Shared Legacy and Strategic Alignment
The “special relationship” between the UK and the U.S. is rooted in shared history, culture, and language, creating a foundation for trust and collaboration. The alliance has historically extended across defence, intelligence, and diplomacy, and Trump’s previous presidency underscored a willingness to strengthen bilateral ties with allies that shared his administration’s geopolitical outlook.
For the UK, aligning more closely with the U.S. offers an opportunity to reaffirm its global influence.
While the EU represents a collective bloc of 27 countries with varying priorities, the U.S. provides a single, powerful partner with whom the UK can negotiate directly, leveraging historical goodwill and shared strategic interests.
Trump’s explicit support for Brexit and his interest in “taking care of Britain” signalled a readiness to prioritise UK-US relations, giving Britain a valuable partner in navigating its post-EU landscape.
Trade Opportunities Beyond the EU’s Constraints
One of the central promises of Brexit was the ability to pursue independent trade agreements without being constrained by the EU’s collective policies. The U.S., as the world’s largest economy, represents an enticing market for British goods and services.
Under Trump, there was a strong emphasis on bilateral trade deals that favour fair and reciprocal terms, which the UK could exploit to secure advantageous agreements.`
“If the UK re-engages in these political and economic ties with the E.U., it makes it less likely that Trump will go for a free-trade agreement with the UK,” said Stephen Moore, a senior economic adviser to the Trump campaign.
“You guys have to decide,” he said in an interview, addressing the British public.
“Do you want to be more like Europe or the U.S.?”
The U.S. offers vast opportunities for British exporters, especially in industries such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, technology, and agriculture.
Unlike the EU’s somewhat protectionist stance, Trump’s administration will likely emphasise reducing tariffs and regulatory barriers for key allies, potentially allowing British firms to expand their footprint in American markets. A comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S. could significantly boost the UK economy, diversifying trade dependencies and reducing reliance on Europe.
Flexibility in Regulatory Frameworks
One of the challenges of EU membership was compliance with its extensive regulatory framework, which often prioritised the collective interests of member states. While these regulations were designed to ensure uniformity across the single market, they frequently limited the UK’s ability to innovate or tailor policies to its specific needs.
A partnership with the US allows for greater flexibility in crafting regulations that suit the UK’s national interests. Trump’s deregulation agenda, aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape, aligns with the UK’s post-Brexit goal of fostering a more business-friendly environment. This synergy could pave the way for joint ventures in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy.
Defence and Security Cooperation
Defence and security are cornerstone aspects of the UK-U.S. relationship, bolstered by shared membership in NATO and collaboration in intelligence-sharing through the Five Eyes alliance. Under Trump, the U.S. consistently encouraged its allies to increase defence spending, a stance that aligns with the UK’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global military power.
By prioritising ties with the U.S., the UK could strengthen its defence capabilities while playing a pivotal role in addressing global security challenges.
From counterterrorism efforts to cyber defence and strategic deterrence, collaboration with the U.S. offers unmatched access to advanced technologies and intelligence resources. This partnership not only enhances the UK’s security but also reinforces its standing as a key player in international affairs.
A Broader Global Vision
While the EU’s influence is largely confined to Europe, the U.S. operates as a global superpower with significant sway in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
By aligning with the U.S., the UK can expand its global reach and tap into markets that may be less accessible through the EU alone. Trump’s administration prioritised strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific region, offering the UK a potential avenue to collaborate on economic and security initiatives in this strategically vital area.
Moreover, the U.S.’s dominance in global financial systems, media, and technology provides the UK with unparalleled opportunities to remain at the forefront of innovation and influence. Partnerships with American tech giants, for example, could drive investment in the UK’s digital economy, fostering growth and job creation.
A Counterbalance to the EU
Prioritising the U.S. does not mean abandoning Europe, but rather diversifying alliances to ensure greater independence and resilience. A strong UK-U.S. partnership could serve as a counterbalance to the EU, encouraging more pragmatic negotiations on future trade and political arrangements.
While the EU remains a critical partner, the UK’s ability to secure alternative alliances strengthens its bargaining position and ensures it is not overly reliant on a single bloc.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
The UK and U.S. share deep cultural connections, underpinned by a common language and longstanding exchanges in education, media, and tourism. These ties foster a natural affinity between the two nations, making collaboration more seamless.
During Trump’s first presidency, there was a notable focus on bolstering ties with English-speaking allies, which complemented the UK’s efforts to forge a distinct identity outside the EU.
The ease of cultural alignment also extends to workforce mobility and educational exchanges. Strengthened UK-U.S. relations could lead to expanded visa programs, research collaborations, and opportunities for professionals in both countries, further enhancing mutual prosperity.
Navigating the Challenges
While the benefits of prioritising the U.S. are substantial, there are challenges to consider. Trump’s protectionist tendencies, exemplified by his “America First” policies, necessitate careful negotiation to ensure agreements are equitable. The UK would need to carefully balance its interests against the U.S.’s economic dominance, avoiding scenarios where British industries could be overshadowed or undermined.
Additionally, the EU remains a geographically proximate and economically significant partner. Completely sidelining Europe would be impractical, and the UK must strive to maintain constructive relations with both the U.S. and the EU, leveraging its unique position as a bridge between the two.
In the context of a Donald Trump presidency, prioritising trade and political relationships with the United States presents a compelling case for the United Kingdom.
The shared history, economic potential, and strategic alignment between the two nations provide a strong foundation for collaboration. While challenges remain, a focus on the U.S. would allow the UK to diversify its partnerships, assert its independence, and seize opportunities in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, something that the Conservative government did not excel at, the key lies in balancing its priorities and ensuring that its relationships with both the U.S. and the EU are mutually reinforcing.
However, the unique benefits offered by a closer alignment with the U.S. under Trump—rooted in shared values, economic prospects, and global influence—clearly position this partnership as being an obvious cornerstone of Britain’s vision for the decades to come.
