This week, contrary to most expectations, the results in the United States were clear and resonant. We've heard a lot about how close this race will be, and many are surprised by how clear this victory is. But it's good for democracy, and it could be good for us in the UK.
It has already been a tumultuous year in the UK. A general election brought in a new government and quickly passed a budget that promised to shake up the economy and challenge business as usual.
These changes could take jobs out of the economy and risk hurting growth rather than stimulating it. The UK government will indeed We need to consider how to make our economies attractive and competitive. That's good for free markets.
These changes in the UK, while significant, are dwarfed by what happened on the other side of the Atlantic: the outcome of the US presidential election. This was never just a question of who would lead America. It's a question of who will take the reins of the world's only superpower, a role with far-reaching implications for the global economy and Western democracies everywhere.
We now know the outcome, and it's clear. That's good for democracy.
A few years ago, an American politician told me that he felt at home in the British Conservative Party, whether he was a Republican or a Democrat. Today, that is no longer the case on either side of the Atlantic. Since 2016, ideological rifts have deepened in both countries, with Britain's Conservatives and Labor jumping across the political spectrum and America's political parties becoming even more divided.
This polarization makes it difficult to predict what the special relationship between the UK and the US will look like under new leadership from both countries. But it is vitally important for the UK to continue to develop that relationship, and it has much to offer new President Trump. He has always been supportive of Britain and positive, which is good news for us and we should welcome that.
When I was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when I visited the United States during the Biden administration, there was frustration with the United Kingdom over a different relationship: Brexit and what it meant. There was no doubt about it. This was certainly not the case with President Trump, who respected the UK's decision.
The stakes are no more. This year has been a testing year for democracies around the world, with surprising and sometimes alarming results. Allies and adversaries alike are watching events closely, and the US election is no exception.
Long revered as a beacon of freedom, America remains a global symbol of hope. But the world doesn't just look to America as an example. We are feeling the impact of America's decisions in a very real way, especially when it comes to the economy.
Americans generally recognize this international reality. A divided America would send shockwaves of unrest around the world, destabilizing economies, weakening alliances, and calling into question the world's most powerful democracy.
It will be difficult, but if Americans can put aside their differences and support the new president, they will help stabilize not only their country but the entire Western world. This result is clear enough to confirm that unity is not just idealistic, but will soon become a reality. it's necessary. Democracy, free speech, and global free markets depend on a stable and unified America.
For the UK, the risks are equally high. As the world's attention shifts to the Pacific and China's influence grows, our place on the world stage can no longer be taken for granted. Staying relevant means building deeper partnerships, especially with the U.S.
Our alliance has always transcended individual leaders. It was about common values, defense and security. This foundation will be critical to keeping both countries strong as we face new political and economic challenges.
Is the hope for unity and stability idealism? perhaps. But the alternatives are bleak. Conflicts continue in the Middle East and Ukraine, but adversaries are all too willing to exploit chaos to their advantage.
President Trump has made his views clear, and now he has the opportunity and responsibility to bring momentum to these crises, which will also help global security and economic stability. A forward-thinking UK government can provide valuable support to America's global efforts. As trade patterns shift in ways that could harm Western economies, we need a collective response to protect our mutual interests.
We live in a world facing pressing challenges, but also a unique opportunity to protect and preserve the way of life we share. Here in the UK, a Labor government must be ready to work with the US and President Trump to strengthen this alliance.
History shows that our two countries are stronger when we are united and work together. As global challenges grow, this partnership will be essential to our economies, our security, and the preservation of democratic values around the world.
Brandon Lewis served as Lord Chancellor and Attorney General in September and October 2022. Previously, he served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from February 2020 to July 2022.
