One feature the UK and USA now appear to share is a growing tendency towards isolationism. Both nations are turning inwards, prioritising domestic concerns over global partnerships. Post-Brexit Britain has become increasingly focused on immigration, Channel crossings, and internal political division, as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK gains electoral traction while Keir Starmer’s Labour struggles to define a clear political purpose (save for fighting the rise of Reform, of course).
Across the Atlantic, aggressive immigration policies and associated rhetoric send a similar message: national interests come first. In both countries, international leadership has been gradually replaced by domestic preoccupation.
"While the UK’s identity post-Brexit is still in negotiation ten years on, one thing is clear: it is not one which unconditionally supports its friends in Washington."
But what does all of this mean for the Special Relationship?
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump are fundamentally incompatible. For example, while Starmer has sought to expand engagement with China, Trump has publicly warned the Prime Minister against doing business with Beijing — despite simultaneously describing Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “friend”.
Where Trump previously appeared to support the UK’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, he later dismissed the move as one of “stupidity”. Although he has referred to Britain as a “brilliant NATO ally”, such praise often seems laced with a lack of sincerity.
The differences extend beyond personality clashes into foreign policy. Indeed, recently the UK made the decision to distance itself from the proposed Gaza Board of Peace. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper suggested Britain’s hesitation stemmed partly from the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing the absence of meaningful commitment to peace in Ukraine. Then, of course, there is the $1bn joining fee.
These disagreements suggest that the special relationship is increasingly strained by their differences in approaching global leadership. Nowhere is this strain more noticeable than in their approach to Palestine.
In September 2025, the UK formally recognised the state of Palestine, joining countries such as Canada and Australia in supporting a two-state solution. The United States, however, continues to oppose Palestinian statehood, regularly using its veto power at the UN Security Council to block full membership. While the UK’s identity post-Brexit is still in negotiation ten years on, one thing is clear: it is not one which unconditionally supports its friends in Washington.
Prior to the 2016 Brexit Referendum, the UK acted as a ‘bridge’ between the US and Europe. A major factor in the special relationship was that the US had a voice within decision-making within the EU, now diminished with the US directly seeking out other nations which still have a role within Europe, such as France and Germany. While Keir Starmer looks to maintain the role of the UK as a ‘bridge’, a lot of damage to these relations has been done in the last 10 years. And ultimately, the UK cannot offer what it used to, to the USA.
As part of the UK’s Nato commitments, the UK should be able to assemble a large number of troops at short notice to defend any Nato country. Yet, Britain is facing an urgent issue - there are a dwindling number of troops. Indeed, according to the Ministry of Defence, The British Army has fallen to its smallest size since the Napoleonic Wars. Not exactly attractive to a President with his sights set on Greenland.
Does the USA then need the UK?
Sort of.
While the current administrations aren't unconditionally aligned, the US and UK are usually in agreement on all things foreign policy. The relationship is strengthened by shared military and intelligence resources, even if the mission isn't always one that's agreed upon. The larger question surrounding the Special Relationship, perhaps, is not "Do the US and UK need one another?" but instead: "Is it helpful to have a stable, somewhat reliable relationship in an increasingly volatile world?"
Absolutely.