UK/US: A special relationship?

Tony Blair met George W Bush for the first time this weekend. They shook hands and smiled for the cameras, but will it be a "special relationship"?

Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan forged a close personal relationship in the 1980s, based on their shared views on government and freedom. Blair and Bill Clinton were also ideologically close.

The UK has always thought of the US as its oldest and closest ally. Yet many believe that Britain needs the help and support of the US more than America needs the UK.

Does the special relationship really exist? Is it based on more than personalities? Does the US need Britain as much as Britain needs the US?

That's special!

Simon, US/ UK

I read somewhere that the US is the largest foreign investor in the UK, and that the UK was the largest foreign investor in the US. That's special!
Simon, UK/ Naturalized US citizen

I'm a middle-aged mom, living in New England. I had the pleasure of living in England for two years in my youth and certainly feel a "special relationship" on a personal level, as well as appreciating the larger historical commonalties. I hope my son, and British children, will also explore their common heritage. I'm saddened by the negative tone of so many of the comments. Over the next decades I think it will be all the more important to genuinely try to understand people from other parts of the world. If the British and Americans can't try to do a good job of it and are so quick to feel aggrieved, heaven help us all.
Callie, USA

Someone once said, "Nations don't have friends, only interests" and I think both the Americans and British need to take this to heart. To the extent that our interests coincide we should strive to be effective partners. But to the extent that they don't I don't think either nation should be influenced by emotional ties to the past or sentimentalism. Both the US and the UK have an obligation to their citizens to advance their own best interests regardless of whether those coincide with the interests of the other country.
Peter Nelson, USA

Americans should look hard at their own country before they trumpet its riches

Jerry Doolan, UK

I appreciate very much some of the more intelligent comments here from Americans, but this goes out to the less intelligent ones. When will you people realise that no one but yourselves thinks you're that great? America is undeniably the world's military super-power, but I think along with other Europeans, Britons were shocked and horrified at what passes for "democracy" there given the last presidential election. I doubt that many American respondents could even argue the case for that - the system is a joke and highly undemocratic. I would much rather have an unelected and totally ceremonial head of state such as the British monarch, underpinned by a robust and functioning, fairly elected parliament and government any day.

As for economics - yes, there is business innovation still to be learned from America. But Americans should look hard at their own country before they trumpet its riches. I travel extensively throughout Europe and the US on business. In Europe I see beautiful, well-preserved cities, cool places to eat, drink and dance, great shopping and tidy, well looked after homes. America, however, features bitterly divided, poor, ghettoised cities, sky-high crime rates, racism and something called trailer-parks full of poor people who live in caravans because they can't afford a real home! America boasts some very successful corporations, but these seem to put nothing back into America and benefit a few stockholders only.
Jerry Doolan, UK

Why do people feel the need to make a choice between the USA and Europe? Surely it is in our interests to nurture our relationships with both. Let us use our common language and shared history to maintain strong links with the US. Let us also make the most of our common culture and heritage to strengthen bonds with our partners in Europe. And let us not forget the other countries of the Commonwealth, with whom we also have "special" relationships of various kinds. The modern era of globalisation demands a new approach to foreign policy - we must learn to truly co-operate with other countries on equal terms, neither submitting to their dictates nor seeking to control their policies. Let us be friends to all the nations of the world and servants to none.
Jane, Japan/UK

The special relationship between the UK and the US has nothing to do with our being their lap dogs, and indeed we are nothing of the sort. What cynical, snide and ridiculous accusations such opinions are. We do not always agree with the US and neither do we always follow their lead politically or economically. For example, our environmental policies are quite different. The fact is that the USA and the UK are old friends and have maintained an alliance that has stood the test of time. It is based on mutual trust, cultural similarities and ideologies. We act in concert when it serves the interests of both nations, and abstain when it does not. Frankly, closer ties with the most powerful economy on the planet can only be a good thing.
Matt, UK

To build a good relationship everyone must look to the future

Friend, Brazil/ UK

Whenever the subject is relations between the UK and USA, there's always the "who saved who in WW2 chat". Would the UK have been successful without the Americans? That's a question we'll never know, and also we shouldn't look for an answer. To build a good relationship everyone must look to the future, and not be worried about something that happened more than 50 years ago. I think both countries need each other, so that's a base for what's about to come.
Friend, Brazil (living in UK)

I believe there is a "special relationship" between the people of the US and UK. I am a naturalised US citizen and for 20 years have been constantly impressed by the average American's desire to know more about my former country and her people. There is a genuine desire to learn more. Many Americans want to travel to the UK as many have family ties going back several generations and I think it is wrong to try and push an Us vs Them mentality.
Di Stewart, USA

Everyone has summed up our minor partner role in this "special relationship" very well. The reason is that it appears to suit the Foreign Office and panders to the UK faction that loathes and detests Europe on principle.
Andy Millward, UK

The US and UK are inter-dependent like no other large countries. But - Britain's independence as a powerful nation has been repressed by its giant friend, and the US is fundamentally an exploitative money-based culture. Post-WWII the US stole from Europe rocket, nuclear, jet, electronic computer and other technology. They waited for Europe to self-destroy before getting involved and did not share the technology. Thus, they are our friends, but we need to be independent and strong by co-operating more closely with our equally important friends in Europe.
James, UK

I do not believe that we share the same values

Tom O'D, UK

Our two countries may share some common ground like language history and law, but I do not believe that we share the same values. If we did then there should be no problem having a British Supreme Commander of Nato, or with Europe having a rapid reaction force. We want to be able to defend ourselves without having to rely on the Americans who only join wars at the last possible minute when the outcome is likely to suit them so that they can say that they saved the world once again. If that's what the American definition of friendship is then I would rather stick with Europe.
Tom O'D, UK

You scornfully bash the USA who saved you in two world wars and without whom you could not have succeeded in the Falklands, and somehow imagine that your friends are the French who won't even import your beef, and the Germans from whom we had to rescue you twice! The only real friends you might have in Europe are the Dutch and the Danes, but they won't be of much help militarily.

Yes, there is a special relationship, rooted in language, history, law and values. In contrast, you have nothing in common with Europe. They disdain you for not being European, or haven't you noticed?
Rich Vose, California, USA

Though no one believes that any nation acts with complete altruism, at least Britain and America try to make the world a better place, even if it is from our western-centric view of civilisation. People accuse the USA of being overly patriotic, capitalistic and arrogant; of course, Europe, with its unelected executive body and "nanny-state" laws is the epitome of altruism and self sacrifice!

Every nation in the western hemisphere is capitalistic and self-serving, Europeans are simply miffed because the USA does it better than we do. We are not lap dogs to the Americans, we are partners in a long and very close friendship based on common culture, language and interests. The advent of the internet and satellite communications makes geographical distances irrelevant and we have as much right to be allied with the USA - which has consistently stood by and supported the UK in the past - than we do with Europe, which has never, ever served the interests of the British people.
Justin, UK

Closer ties with our true allies and friends are called for

Ken, UK/Netherlands

I think that those who cite the USA as "being there" for the UK during the two world wars should look again. The US was selling war supplies to Germany during WW1, as she was the UK. The difference was that the Royal Navy blockaded Germany successfully. in WW2 the US waited until the Japanese brought them in. they were quite happy selling! the UK war supplies. I also do not believe that our ancestors should have given up their lives and limbs for our generation to subscribe to the euro. Closer ties with our true allies and friends are called for. i.e all those Commonwealth countries who were there in time of need. (not meant as imperialist, I realise that the "empire" is dead!)
Ken, UK/Netherlands

Here's how "special" the relationship is. The American public thinks quite highly of the British people and reminisces with pride at how the two countries worked together to solve common problems. On the other hand, many of the UK citizenry (at least the contributors to this board) analyse their problems by stating either "at least we're not as bad as the States" or "just another example of us being too much like the States". It is really quite sad that important issues have to be discussed relative to the US. Such impotent thinking won't solve any British problems and will most surely add more hate to an increasingly one-sided love-hate relationship.
Sid, USA/Sri Lanka

I believe the US and the UK are the only reliable guardians of Western values in the world today. How dreadful for such a great nation such as the United Kingdom to surrender its magnificent sovereignty and unique liberties to a historically corrupt Europe. The "natural alliance" is between the US and the UK (and the Commonwealth nations). We share a common respect for the law and fairness. The historic duplicity and barbarism of France and Germany, respectively, is beneath the UK.
Howard Shore, USA

We're quite happy to jump whenever the Oval office tells us

Toby Jones, UK

Isn't it odd how papers in the US don't spend their time fawning over just how special their relationship with Britain is? We whine about how we should protect our sovereignty from Europe, but we're quite happy to jump whenever the Oval office tells us.
Toby Jones, UK

The American people have been paying dearly to provide all of Europe with the freedoms they so rightly cherish. We ask for little in return except a little support when the rest of the world scorns us because we have the audacity to support the rights of individuals wherever they live. Most thinking Brits understand that the future lies across the Atlantic and refuse to get on board the tired train of Europe's decaying nations.
Dale, USA

The special relationship between Great Britain and the United States certainly does exist and, without doubt, is worth cultivating as it is beneficial to both countries. The common bond of language binds our countries together as does a shared history and each country brings complimentary strengths to the relationship. How much better that relationship than the never ending squabbling of our European neighbours. The English speaking countries of the world mostly share a heritage that could at this time of world political re-alignment be used as the foundation of a grouping which could take a lead in world affairs.
Lewis, U.K.

The US and Britain has a "special" relationship because it has stood the test of time. Unfortunately, Britain is caught between a rock and a hard place, not knowing whether to move more towards the US or European spheres of influence. If Britain leans towards America, Europe accuses us of being America's "servant". Yet if we lean towards Europe, America accuses us of deserting them and running the risk of destroying Nato. We can't afford to loose either relationship, but each must be equally strong. At the moment, I think the Government is doing a pretty good job of keeping each side as happy as possible.
Steph, UK

It's one which mistakenly makes the British people believe that America actually cares what we think

Dafydd, England

"Special relationship" is a term neither the American people, nor the US press ever use. It's a notion thrown around by Conservatives and Government ministers who try to resurrect the images of Empire, and one which mistakenly makes the British people believe that America actually cares what we think.
Dafydd, England

Why do we strive towards the American way of life. The US is the most disgraceful nation when it comes to patriotism, capitalism and the nanny state. All our close relationship with them has done is made us the second worst. Deplorable.
John Hawkes, UK

Special relationship? Yes of course there is, USA says "jump", UK government says "how high". We are the puppet, and the US pulls the strings, that's how special it is.
Eileen, UK

There will always be a natural bond between them

David, UK

The common language and culture shared by Britain and the U.S. and, indeed, the historical ties which have been forged between the two countries are such that there will always be a natural bond between them. I have no doubt that the special relationship between Britain and the U.S. should not only be maintained but strengthened as the core of a free trade commonwealth embracing other kindred countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Such a grouping would not only make an immensely strong trading partnership, but would also have huge political influence. Such a grouping would certainly make more sense than a Europe which is divided by language, culture and history.
David, UK

Of course there is a special relationship between Britain and America. Militarily, we needed the USA in 1939 just as much as they needed us in Vietnam. As for economic issues, both countries share a lack of common values, like commitment to social justice, ecological responsibility, and sense of humility towards our neighbours. Long live the special relationship, and let the barely adequate times roll!
Philip Turner, UK

We should give the so called "special relationship" the "benefit of the doubt"; we are a shadow of our former selves, but we do serve the purpose of being USA's biggest "aircraft carrier" (strategically valuable for Europe and the Middle East), and we do help each other out when the chips are really down.
Phil W, UK

There's no doubt that a special relationship does exist, and it should be fostered. In the event of a conflict, I'm sure Britons would sooner trust the US as an ally rather than any European country. Few countries in the northern hemisphere would share Britain's sense of fair play as much as the US and Canada.
Ray Marsh, Australia

Britain has recently appeared to act as an American dependency

Gavin Elliott, UK

The United States and Great Britain will always remain close allies and friends. Cultural, military and historical links will always remain. However, Britain has recently appeared to act as an American dependency. Why can't Britain have a special relationship with both the United States and Europe? Britain should also try to be more independent and forceful in its own foreign policy.
Gavin Elliott, UK

How special will the relation be when the Americans obtain from the World Trade Organisation the right to tax European (including British) products in retaliation for Europe (and I think British) refusal to import American hormone-grown beef?
Pascal Jacquemain, UK (French)

A good relationship is great (especially for trade) as long as the two countries don't turn into the bullies that make life hell for everyone else in the class. What we need is a teacher to instil discipline, but I don't see the UN moving to discipline immoral acts by the UK and US anytime soon. Blair should put his foot down. I'm sure our European neighbours would back him up.
Alex Banks, Wales, Living in Sweden

On the whole this pragmatic judgement has served us well

A. Young, UK

After Suez, France learnt that the USA could never be trusted and has always been seeking its revenge and great power status through a European superstate. Britain learnt that she must never again put herself in the position of running a contrary foreign policy to that of the United States. On the whole this pragmatic judgement has served us well. Great Britain never publicly opposes the United States, but seeks to influence its decisions before they are made.
A. Young, UK

We share a common language, a common culture and political values. As a consequence, we have similar national interests. All this adds up to a special relationship. Clearly, our people have not always agreed and our alliance has often been difficult but these problems pale to insignificance when one considers the areas in which we are in general agreement (security and trade for example). Like many Americans, I have a great admiration, respect and affection for the UK and her people. I place great value in the views and advice of our English cousins.
Robert, USA

Get over it people! This is the 21st century - not imperial Britain!
Tom, New Zealand

The UK unfairly undervalues its most loyal allies like Australia, New Zealand and Canada

Michael Gahan, Ireland

There is indeed a close friendship between the UK and US, but I think the UK unfairly undervalues its most loyal allies like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. They were there for the country during the darkest hours of both world wars, even when their own homes were in danger (i.e. Japan). I notice the UK does not seem to place much value on these allies. Value the alliance with the US (which is a separate issue to EU union) but don't forget the allies who while having less to give, would give it all to help.
Michael Gahan, Ireland

The only relationships which America regards as "special" are those which benefit America. Nothing wrong with that, but it would be foolish to pretend otherwise. The day we try to stop American companies shipping GM produce here, for example, is the day we find out just how special the relationship is.
Guy Chapman, UK

At least the shop assistants don't look the other way when you speak English in America as once happened to me in Germany. What could define a special relationship better than a common language and cultural values?
Jupiter Punungwe, Zimbabwean in Malawi

Our place is in Europe

Paul R, Wales

While I agree that we should be grateful for American involvement in World War Two, we shouldn't allow that to blind us to America's current behaviour and its aims in maintaining a 'special relationship' with Britain. We act as America's foothold in Europe, and will soon be called on to be an outpost for the absurd 'son of Star Wars' project. They acquire military intelligence gathered in the UK, and pass it on to US industry, to the detriment of our real trading partners in Europe. And we join them in their bombing raids whenever they want us to. Our place is in Europe, and we should concentrate on forging better links within Europe.
Paul R, Wales

Will the media please stop fawning over America! We have a lot more in common with Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Duncan Campbell, UK

Don't let us forget that the Americans need us for their early warning radar stations. As NMD comes on line, they will be needing us more.
Richard, UK

There is indeed a special relationship between the US and the UK. In addition to the political and military ties, there are shared cultural and historical bonds as well. Most intelligent Americans view the UK as our nation's chief partner in the world. I for one would love to see more economic ties and shared interests between us.
Cameron, USA

There will always be a special relationship between the UK and the US based on a commonality in language, history and culture. I've travelled a great deal throughout Europe and Asia, and I automatically feel more at ease with someone from Peterborough or Pwllheli than I do with someone from Paris or Prague. What does tend to get under my skin is my fellow-countrymen's ongoing hubris in all things political, military or cultural. We have a lot to learn from Britain (and the world), if we would only stop and listen.
Joel, USA

As for the USA being the police force for the planet and encouraging self determination, look at the conflicts they don't get involved in - Tibet, Chechnya

Mike Hodges, England

The Americans will use this special relationship for it's own ends, to them this country is just a huge aircraft carrier. As for the USA being the police force for the planet and encouraging self determination, look at the conflicts they don't get involved in - Tibet, Chechnya. The sooner we think out our foreign policy for ourselves the better.
Mike Hodges, England

I am an American from Ohio, and I place a great value upon the Anglo-American alliance. Both the UK and the US need one another. The UK is our only ally with any considerable military powers; HMS's Illustrious, Invincible, and ARK Royal are the only aircraft carriers possessed by European allies. Let me assure our British cousins that Americans value your friendship and well wishes far more than anyone else in Europe, and we look eagerly forward to making the world a safer and better place through continued Anglo-American endeavours.
Andrew, USA

Having lived in the UK for ten years, I know that many Brits feel pretty cheesed off about how long it took the Americans to enter the war, and how they let nearly the entire continent get taken over by the Nazis before they intervened.
Even then Roosevelt had to battle Congress in order to get a Declaration of War. So Britain - and every other country in the world - ought to think twice before relying on the USA to protect them. The USA will intervene when it suits them. The only "Special Relationships" it recognises are ones based on trade.
Tom, UK

Economic power and military power to some degree are irrelevant, what is important is that we share the same viewpoint and common goal of freedom for all men

Michael Thomas, UK

There is a special relationship between us. We are the 'mother country' and they are the prodigal son. Economic power and military power to some degree are irrelevant, what is important is that we share the same viewpoint and common goal of freedom for all men. The US is the world's largest economy and we are 4th. That in my mind still represents all large slice of world opinion. When we (UK and US) speak together, the rest of the world listens.
Regardless of who is in charge we are linked by history. If we choose to ignore our past then we are only inclined to repeat the mistakes of our past.
Michael Thomas, UK

What does America do for Britain? There is no argument for America staying in Europe or NATO continuing to exist. The Cold War is over and it's high time Europe defended itself. I think some of the commentators on this page have been watching too many Hollywood movies. The US exploited us during the Second World War by asset stripping us and double crossed us by refusing to share the bomb. We owe the US nothing.
Abdul Turay, United Kingdom

The UK and the US are cultural kin. We share a bond that is undermined with this stupid obsession with joining Europe when in reality we should be ditching the monarchy and joining the U.S. We have no cultural bond with Germany or France save years of antagonism and mistrust often justified in both directions. Better to ally with your true friends that try to trust your old enemies.
Martin Bentley, UK

America has helped in a number of world issues and all they get is grief for it

John B, UK

America has helped in a number of world issues and all they get is grief for it. They supported us in the world wars, they issued billions in war loans and now they get lambasted for it. When disaster strikes in the world the US helps. When disaster strikes the US the world watches. The UK and US speak the same language, have similar cultures, similar economic cycles, similar economic goals, and similar attitudes to business. We are far more like the US than Europe.
John B, UK

Having lived in both the UK and US recently it is interesting to compare the different perceptions. UK public opinion tends to see Britain as the lap-dog, falling in with US orders to legitimise US foreign policy. In the US, many people accuse Britain of being the international bully, forcing its big brother into scraps it would rather avoid. I can what the UK gains from the US view, but what does the UK gain from being a lap-dog apart from making itself a terrorist target? Didn't Blair ask for the raids on Iraq and help in Kosovo?
Robert Kelsey, UK (British)

The US has a special relationship with the UK, like a child has to it's mother. The US was a bit of a rebellious child in it's youth but still it feels most comfortable when it has it's mothers approval on the world stage.
Martin, UK

The fact is, that we are, and always have been, much closer to the United States in terms of our aims and ideologies than Europe; both the US and UK need each other militarily, and in terms of trade and friendship. Long live their relationship.
Alan, UK

it is fair to say the US needs UK as much as UK needs the US because the US needs a close ally in the EU

Masood Soorie, UK

The UK and US have common economic interests around the globe and for this reason one could say the relationship between the two countries is special. Although America's military and economic might well surpass UK's, it is fair to say the US needs UK as much as UK needs the US because the US needs a close ally in the EU.
Masood Soorie, UK

I agree that at this particular moment the US needs UK support more than we do American. As has already been stated we provide the US with much needed legitimacy. Why do all UK leaders believe the "special relationship is the cornerstone of UK foreign policy? There is nothing wrong in having divergent opinions we are as a member of the EU and a sovereign nation going to have different opinions and interests. We should realise the Cold War is over and stop incriminating ourselves in America's mistakes.
Marcus Benton, Thailand/UK

I think we should start to distance ourselves from the current US administration's foreign policy

Nick, England

I think we should start to distance ourselves from the current US administration's foreign policy. In the first few weeks of being in office Mr Bush has managed to alienate most of the world including China and the Russians and in the process done the same with us in the UK. It's time we looked toward closer links, closer to home in Europe.
Nick, England

I'm a Brit working in the USA. There is no doubt that a special relationship exists between us and our cousins here in the States. The Presidential/ Prime Ministerial discussions are the overt, public manifestations of the relationship. On a day to day working basis, we Brits are treated with respect and trust. It's a fine place to work!
David, USA

The UK should be aligning itself fully with Europe where it belongs. We should maintain a good relationship with the US but do not need to back it up in all the military nonsense it gets up to. Maybe we should get rid of their awful fast food and TV programmes while we are at it!
Mr T, UK

We'd like to have their money and they'd like to have our accent. That's about as far as the relationship really goes!
Richard G, UK

Given the choice Euro or US? I would far, far rather be aligned to the US. We have so much more in common with the them, language being the greatest. The only thing we have in common with Europe is that for the last 1000 years, on and off, we have been fighting them!
Paul Attard, working in Malta

Surely closer ties with the US are better than with any other country

Ross, UK

Having lived in the US for a year I believe that the US does need the UK as much as the UK needs the US. We are their gateway to Europe. Whenever there is a crisis, it is always us the UK that stands by their side. Is it a bad thing? Well surely closer ties with the US are better than with any other country.
Ross, UK

The US finds Britain useful but she doesn't need us. We're a useful bridgehead into Europe and that's it. The Special Relationship certainly does exist but only as long as the Prime Minister is at the President's beck and call. It would more in Britain's interests to get out of bed with the US elephant, and into alliance with a collection of countries more our equal - in other words the European Union.
Tim, England

Firstly, why would a big and powerful country like the US have any great need for Britain? Although I believe it is imperative to have a close ally in that part of the world, our necessity for alliance with Britain is more out of our military needs such as bases and reconnaissance. Britain on the other hand, also does not really need the US since it has its European neighbours. Yet, we must never forget our history which reflects the strong bond these 2 countries created during WW I and WWII. Britain needed our help desperately then, and the US was there to help. Not the other way around. The powerful British Empire has long since gone.
Mimi Anayannis, USA

When I was living in the US nobody had heard of the so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US. They saw us as one of several important close allies but nothing more "special" than Canada or Japan. Our relationship with the US is very important because of our joint involvement in many organisations as well as having a (vaguely) common language. However the UK should remember that it is has greater influence in Europe than it does in Washington.
Steve, UK

It is embarrassing watching our leaders behave like the USA's obedient dog

MH, UK

Of course the US will treat the UK as their special friend... as long as they need a foothold in Europe and the UK jumps when told to. As soon as Britain disagrees with them, or the US obtains better means of involvement in Europe, the special relationship will be over. And why not? That makes perfect sense for the Americans. After all, ultimately Britain needs the US far more than they do so we'll keep doing what we're told. It is embarrassing watching our leaders behave like the USA's obedient dog though; the rest of the world must find it very amusing.
MH, UK

The US needs us more than we need them. All the time we are prepared to send a couple of our fighter planes off on US bombing raids (of dubious morality) they can be considered to be acting as an "international" force, rather than the self-appointed world policemen (bullies?) that they are. What do we NEED them for?
Dan, UK

Definitely. The sacrifice shown by the American people in both World Wars should be enough to make the whole of Europe eternally grateful. People often forget that we have the Americans to thank for our freedom.
R. Dasiel, UK

I think the UK needs to be wary of aligning itself too closely with the US just now. Since Bush took office, it seems the US has taken an alarmingly arrogant, self-centred position on its interaction with the rest of the world. The Cold War is long past, and it's good that it is. I do not feel it is appropriate for the US to start adopting policies reminiscent of that era. As such, I think it would harm the UK to be too closely associated with them by 'virtue' of this special relationship of ours.
Ewen, Scotland

It is very easy to be a "fair weather friend", so we should look at the last time Britain really needed help. In the Falklands it was America who can to our aid and not our so-called European friends. Please let us not forget this lesson.
Philip Lewis, England

The US is always looking for someone to agree with them on their foreign 'exploits' and Britain fulfils that role. As China said, we are their running dogs
Steve, Wiltshire