The Spectator

Letters | 8 December 2007

Readers respond to recent articles in <em>The Spectator</em>

issue 08 December 2007

The US needs the UK

Sir: David Howell is certainly correct (Letters, 1 December) in pointing to the massive shift of wealth to Asia and oil producers, a development to which I have repeatedly called attention in my columns for the Sunday Times, most recently this past week. But that, so far, has little to do with my contention that the maintenance of world order remains the responsibility of the United States, a responsibility that can best be discharged with Britain at its side. Yes, Britain should pursue other relationships that a changing world makes useful to it. But Gordon Brown’s deliberate snubbing of the United States when he met with President Bush in Washington, and his decision to stick a finger in America’s eye by appointing Mark Malloch Brown, have led to the virtual cessation of political contacts between the UK and the US.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in