A special relationship in the making?

I’ve spent the morning contending with the WSJ’s Heath Robinson-esque subscription service so you don’t have to. Inside the paper, David Cameron explains what the Special Relationship means to him.

1). The Special Relationship is close and robust because British and American values are essentially the same, which explains why our national interests are often aligned:

‘The U.S.-U.K. relationship is simple: It’s strong because it delivers for both of us. The alliance is not sustained by our historical ties or blind loyalty. This is a partnership of choice that serves our national interests.’

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There may be differences in emphasis and application, but, Cameron argues, Britain and America stand together on Afghanistan, global terror, free trade and tackling poverty and climate change.

2). Contrary to popular opinion, but unsurprising given his concession that British and American values are identical, Cameron empathises with America and Americans:

‘I have the deepest sympathies for the families of those killed in the (Lockerbie) bombing.