What makes the US govt think that the UK needs its help?

Question

They are sending federal marshals over to assist in security measures. The last time I checked the UK was more than capable of defending itself. Why are the US authorities being so patronising?

Answer 1

Weren't those planes supposed to be bound for U.S.? That's probably why. We're in this together, I guess.

Answer 2

em i would say thats not patronising - thats an act in saying - yes we are with you - if the UK didnt want the marshalls then you know what , they would just say so!!!!! If they are over and welcomed then they are needed. And also this effects the USA as well being that there would be effected Americans by this...

FYI Im originally British - and getting pretty sick of British snobbery towards America.

Answer 3

Did it occur to you that they might have asked for the help? Or maybe they're looking into it on the American side? Or they're just getting info to take back to the U.S. so they can continue an investigation here? Don't get so uptight! Just because they're sending them over doesn't mean the Brits are capable. Now if they were getting involved in a local police investigation, it would mean that they think they're not capable, but that's a different story.

Answer 4

The two countries commonly share information, help each other, keep each other informed. What? Do you think the CIA just barged into the UK and said, "OK, step aside, we'll take care of this"?? England is its own country and wouldn't allow the US to be involved if it didn't wish it to be so. When there are terrorism arrests here, British authorities are informed, and when the target of the threats are BOTH countries I think it's prudent to involve BOTH countries. Embrace the concept of global community. We're all in this together.

Answer 5

I suspect the fact that the UK authorities asked for it's help.

Also, United States airliners overseas are still operated under U.S. law and authority (just like a British ship in New York Harbor would still be subject to British Admiralty laws.)

The US has the right, by international treaties, to carry its own law enforcement personnel aboard its sovereign aircraft.

Answer 6

I must be confused! It thought the US and the UK needed each other! I thought we were allies in this crazy world! Wasn't it the UK who warned the US about the terror plot just today? Thanks by the way!

We share a (pretty close) common language, and we have a very long History!

Answer 7

BECAUSE OF THIS! BREAKING NEWS!! -- Some of the flights involved in the plot to blow up trans-Atlantic
planes in mid-air would have been going from the United Kingdom to New
York, Washington, D.C., and California, a U.S. government official said.

CNN

Answer 8

Maybe because they have cause to believe that the planes were coming our way! We are affected by this threat- and the UK and the US are allies last time I checked - you cannot have it both ways - CONSTANT bashing of the US like we don't do enough - CONSTANT bashing when we DO something - RIDICULOUS!

Answer 9

seeing that the flights were from the UK to the US...maybe the UK gov't asked for the US to come over to help in the investigation. its not like they are saying the UK can not do it themselves

Answer 10

Well how about the terrorists acts on the UK's trains? Hello, its happening everywhere and you are talking about patronizing, you have to be joking!

Answer 11

Two things come to mind.

One, if the UK was our 51st Sate you would be ignored.

Two, it may be to make sure that the flights are guarded from UK to US, would you rather your manpower be used on those flights? They way I figure it, they are freeing up people that would be used guarding flights to the US. Unless your people do want to visit the states ... which you are welcome to do.