Do UK citizens think it's time to dump the "special relationship" to pursue an independent foreign policy?

Question

It seems to me that the "special relationship" has been a one way relationship almost from its inception. Yes, the Americans came to the UK's aid in WW2 but we paid for it one way or another. Lend/lease we paid for with bases in Nova Scotia and Bermuda and giving the Americans radar technology. We paid off our financial debts for loans in WW2 only in the last year or so. The Bretton Woods Agreements on trade and tariffs and free trade benefited the US more than us. Read up on the background to those talks. A lot people in the State Department were more interested in taking over then UK markets than free trade.

While we should be grateful for American aid in WW2 that is now history and history moves on. Its time for us to move on too and rethink our position on the world stage. Its we, UK citizens, who should decide whether or not to end the relationship, not just Blair or any other party leader. And before anyone jumps to any conclusions I am not a Little Englander wrapping myself

Answer 1

Yes, years ago

I agree that Blair thinks he's best positioned as an ally of Bush, allowing us to be a "world player" and "punch above our weight". In reality though, it means we have little independent control over our foreign policy and simply stand there and back up whatever Bush tries to do. With a bit of spin to make it seem as if we're trying to get the US to moderate their policies even though are powerless to do so. Same thing with our "independent nuclear deterrent", which is of course just part of the North American defence system over which, again, we have little direct control. US co.s already own much of our power generation and distribution too, and guess who we'll be buying all the uranium from for our next generation of nuclear reactors that Tony is waving through?

So, problem: our economy, defence and internatinal standing are inextricably linked with the US. Not an easy partnership to break out of (it not being an equal partnership). Think it would be of great benefit in the long term though if we forged closer ties with the EU and slipped away from the US's grasp. Would take a braver man than Tony to do it though. We do disagree with other European nations on many issues (and always will, it being a diverse region), but we also have many common issues and common ground. While we have GWB pulling Blair's strings, we're bound to find ourselves divided in our loyalties between EU and US, and I'm sure this is part of the reason we find a harmonious relationship with Europe difficult to achieve.

Answer 2

nice idea but an independant foreign policy is a fantasy. we dont have the firepower to back up what the politicians might want to do.
and it would appear to me at least that blair is the only voice that bush will even contemplate listening to. If it wasnt for Blair then the aftermath of 9/11 would have been even worse than what actually did happen (and that is saying something).
Then again we have an independant FP sometimes prime example the stance over Israel?
maintaining the special relationship brings the UK a lot of trade from the US that mainland europe doesnt get.
And it allows us to punch above our weight in international relations.
As much as I dislike US FP maintaining the special relationship is vital to UK interests.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Absolutely. The past 5 years have shown the "special relationship" is having an extremely damaging effect on the country's credibility which will rapidly ruin any world standing we have built up over the last several centuries if it continues.

I could fully understand the reluctance to pull away as soon as things soured with the Bush administration but now we have reached the point where there is little to be gained by trying to prolong the relationship.

Answer 5

No because we are probably the one Country that can exert influence on the US. We will never be a super power and any dreams anyone harbours that we alone can change World politics is a dreamer. We cannot agree half the time with our EU partners so the best route is to continue to influence where we can and in that manner bring about our brand of democracy.

Answer 6

Stop being so silly, do you want to end up speaking French, being judged by a court in another country, having no say in who enters our borders as not to damage their "human rights" and having to cover our wifes sinful bodies up whilst having Islam forced upon us in school
The "special relationship" is the biggest weapon that we have to protect ourself and is one of the reasons that we are as free as we are and I for one would rather be a state of America than a region of France.
Wake up - Europe hates us (apart from our historical allies Portugal) and are very clearly bent on our political and social downfall. Its not all street cafes and croissants, it goes deeper that that and if I could get over to the States tomorrow I would.

Answer 7

What special relationship??? They shout our politicians jump. We have terrorists, IRA, they pay them and supply arms. We go to war to defend the Falklands they do nothing, just like in the First and Second war. Time we told the Yanks to go sling their hook.

Answer 8

Yes, about 4 years ago

Answer 9

Why should they? That worked SO well in the last century. Neville Chamberlain, anyone??

Answer 10

Beg forgiveness and try to forge stronger ties with our commenwealth cousins.