Mr. Brown Goes to Washington



After a month of the being the new Prime Minister of the UK, Mr Brown is off to Washington to hold talks with President Bush. The meeting is not unexpected. After having such a cosy relationship with Tony Blair, it will come as no surprise that both political leaders will make a great effort to at least pretend all is well. Therefore, a lot is expected from Mr. Brown on his first official visit as Prime Minister of the UK.


So far on this side of the Atlantic, the media have offered conflicting opinions of the kind of stance that Gordon Brown will take when he meets George Bush. Some are quite confident the that he will reaffirm and cement the UK special relationship with America. Others are not so sure. Many believe that the time has come for some plain talking with Mr. Bush, and emphasised that Gordon is in a good position to offer it. British troops are still in Basra, and the public is hoping they will be brought home soon. But the big question is will the two world leaders find any genuine degree of commonality? Gordon is a very different person than Tony, but hopefully he should establish some degree of independence. It will be interesting to see the final statements, and perhaps, any agreed policies after the visit is concluded.


My view is that on his first visit to Washington DC as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown will simply 'play nice.' That is the best way to make a great impression, especially as he following the inevitable Mr. Blair's footsteps. On the other hand his private moments with Mr. Bush could be a totally different matter. It will be the first opportunity for him to demonstrate his style, and his degree of independence, and I am certain he will be more than ready. The results, I expect, will proclaim that two countries will still be friends in spite of a change of leadership. And that whatever happens, the US can always depend on the support of the UK. What that means in practice is liable to different interpretations. We shall see how it works out.

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