The concept of the US-UK special relationship has presented itself again during the first two days of the G8 summit, apparently suggesting a reignition of the close relationship traditionally enjoyed between previous US Presidents and UK Prime Ministers. This is something that has certainly not been a prominent feature since the election of David Cameron to the UK Government in 2010, and raises the question of whether the special relationship has been resurrected, or whether it is instead headed in an entirely new direction. The trade talks that are to begin between David Cameron and Barrack Obama are certainly far from the traditional agenda that has been the preoccupation of US-UK leaders, particularly the foreign policy agenda favoured by George Bush and Tony Blair at the start of the new Millenium.
It should however come as no surprise that Cameron and Obama wish to get things moving in a bid to restart their faltering economies. 'Austerity' and 'economy' are the buzzwords of the day, with Cameron's government in particular concerned with reducing the deficit and getting things moving again. Although the trade talks between the US and UK may appear to make sense on the surface, this only further serves to consolidate Britain's image as wary of the EU and keen to remain on friendly terms with the USA, therefore it is important that EU inputs are also given adequate consideration. This is by no means a bad thing, but the important thing is to ensure that the trade to be undertaken between the countries includes things that both parties need, and that it is not simply 'trade for the sake of trade'. If similar agreements can be made with other countries in the EU, then the self-imposed alienation that this could bring to Britain is somewhat fruitless and will do nothing to improve British-EU relations.
On the other hand, it is a relief to note that economic and trade agreements were not the only issues on the agenda at the G8 summit, with the issue of Syria destined to play an important part in proceedings. Another puzzler was Russia's adamance that the USA should not supply rebels with weapons in their fight against Assad, yet has previously wished to be allowed to supply arms to Syria at it's own insistence. Although both parties wish to see an end to the conflict in Syria, the way forward is itself mired in difficulty with two of the permanent members of the UN Security council seemingly at an impasse as to how to proceed. With all sides keen to proceed with the peace conference next month, this is something that can be put aside for the time being, but the conflict in Syria shows no signs of petering out - something else for Obama and Cameron to negotiate on?
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