§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. [67795]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe United States is one of our closest allies. The closeness of the relationship was reinforced by the events of 11 September. There are regular UK ministerial meetings with State Department and other Administration officials in Washington. The Foreign Secretary talks regularly with the Secretary of State. Parliament has close links with Congress and our ambassador in Washington and his embassy have access to the US Administration across a wide range of issues. The UK probably has more high level daily contacts with the US than any other country allowing us to foresee problems and work hard to iron out our differences. HMG would welcome increased contact between legislators in the Commons and Congress.
1025WWe will maintain and build on these ties to strengthen the relationship with the US, our largest bilateral trading partner and inward investor.