AS Donald Trump leaves office today and Joe Biden is sworn as the 46th President of the United States, America faces a new chapter in its history.
And as one of the world’s longest and strongest alliances, the special relationship between Britain and the US will continue to be hugely important for both sides.
Read our Inauguration Day 2021 live blog for the very latest news and updates on Joe Biden’s swearing-in and Donald Trump’s exit…
And as Britain forges its new role on the global stage after Brexit, officials want to continue to be a firm bridge between America and the EU on issues of security, trade and more.
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SHARED GOALS
Boris will try to cosy up to the new administration over their shared Covid fight (neither side has had an easy ride in the last 12 months) and environmental issues – which the PM has been keen to promote in his 18 months in office.
Biden’s first foreign trip is believed to be to Britain for the G7 meeting later this year – and he’ll take to the global stage at the climate COP26 summit in Glasgow too.
Boris vowed the UK and US would “join forces to protect our planet” and also promised to work together in “defending democracy” – a swipe at President Trump’s endorsement of attacks on the Capitol building which the PM was quick to distance from.
Both Biden and Boris have also used the phase “build back better” in their campaigns – a sure way to break the ice on in their initial discussions.
Boris was at the front of the queue to chat to the President-elect after the election – dashing fears of Britain being sidelined in the new administration.
CALMER SEAS
Britain hopes that relations with America will be about to enter a calmer, more diplomatic phase with Biden in the White House.
Theresa May said in a blast at President Trump last night she found his unpredictability difficult to work with – and diplomats on both sides will be certain the leader of the free world will have a calmer head on him.
The UK’s ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Pierce suggested that Mr Biden would be a more predictable partner for the UK – but defended Mr Trump’s unorthodox approach to international affairs.
It remains to be seen whether Biden’s softer approach will deliver the impact needed on the world stage – but the end to the chaotic nature of Trump’s Presidency will give both sides a sigh of relief.
BEST FRIENDS
It’s no secret that Boris and Trump got on incredibly well at first, and both were fans of the other’s straight-talking, core people-pleasing policies.
The pair were revealed to speak on the phone regularly – and pinged texts to each other across the Atlantic.
However Whitehall whispers say there have been testing moments in private phone calls that have No10 have been keen to play down.
Boris’ team have been making connections with the incoming administration, but they don’t have strong foundations and the pair have never met in person.
The PM will also be keen to try and play down the perception of him as the British version of the blonde bombshell, but face-to-face relations will surely be hampered by the ongoing pandemic.
Don’t expect any Obama-Cameron-style bromances anytime soon, but as Britain’s long history has shown, the US and UK will always work together on the international stage.
WHAT ABOUT BREXIT?
The PM will have lost an ally who thought Brexit was the best thing Britain has done in years – and was incredibly keen to drum up extra trade.
Negotiations on a deal started last year but haven’t come near to an agreement.
Trade Secretary Liz Truss is keen to rev up the engine and inject energy into talks with the new administration, but there will be speed bumps along the way.
Not least because of Biden’s Irish upbringing – which led to his comments last year ruling out any deal which would threaten the Good Friday Agreement.
Boris will sought to assure him his deal has not led to a hard border and the threat of peace in Northern Ireland being disrupted, but any trade agreement will have a higher burden to reach under Biden – and may take a bit longer too.
Biden’s made it clear his priority will be the domestic agenda – at least at the start of his Presidency.
It means that big bumper Brexit trade deal could be a while off.
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