Nonproliferat Subcommittee on Terrorism

Next Steps in the Special Relationship-Impact of the U.S.-U.K. Free Trade Agreement Nonproliferat Subcommittee on Terrorism

In a landmark referendum, British citizens chose to reclaim their economic independence by withdrawing from the European Union. In the wake of Brexit, it is important to preserve, as Winston Churchill noted, "the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom." For over 200 years the U. S. and the U. K. have partnered economically to preserve peace and security worldwide. From the trenches of World War I to the mountains of Afghanistan, men and women in both countries have spilled blood together on the battlefield. A trade deal represents another opportunity to deepen that relationship to the benefit of both countries. The Trump administration has expressed its preference for bilateral deals over multilateral agreements. Once the U. K. officially exits the European Union's restrictive trade policies, there will be better opportunities for growth and investment. U. S. ties with the EU in trade, and defense, intelligence, and across a broad range of issues, has strengthened the U. S. economy and national security. In the challenges we face, both economic and security related, the strategic importance of the U. S. relationship with the EU is undeniable. Maintaining the "special relationship" with Britain does not come at the expense of promoting robust transatlantic relations with the rest of Europe.