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Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that “there will always be points of tension” in any relationship, but that the UK looks forward to working with Joe Biden.
Speaking at Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Raab said the United States “would not have a better ally or a more trusted friend” than the United Kingdom and that he was “excited” to collaborate with the new administration on areas such as climate change, addressing coronavirus and fight against terrorism.
He dismissed the idea that there may be challenges with the new relationship following claims by some American commentators that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s earlier comments on Barack Obama’s Kenyan heritage had damaged ties with Democrats.
Raab has made several visits to Washington and the White House during Donald Trump’s tenure.
Raab said it was always possible to “pick a snippet” from social media or political activists, but that evidence of his work with the British embassy in Washington on the ground, speaking with congressional leaders, caucus leaders and with the President-elect Biden in the past. months proved otherwise.
“I know there will always be points of tension in any relationship, particularly the deepest and deepest ones, but the foundation, the depth, and the variety of things we do together and the things that President-elect Biden wants to accomplish internationally … these are all things, particularly with our G7 presidency next year and our celebration of COP 26 [climate conference]We will have large quantities that we can cooperate on.
He added: “I am excited to be working with the new administration and I am confident that the relationship between the UK and the US will prosper in the weeks and months to come.”
Sajid Javid says it would be nice to have ‘courtesy, integrity and seriousness’ in the White House
But his assurances came moments after former Foreign Minister Sajid Javid attacked US policy more frankly, labeling Donald Trump a “teenager” and saying he had done “large amounts to damage democracy.”
He asked people around the president to “tell him to stop” his persistent claims of voter fraud.
“America is a model of democracy around the world, as we are, and it is still doing harm because it has not stopped,” Javid said.
“We are privileged to have democracy, Americans are privileged to have it. There are so many people around the world who yearn for democracy.
“And the behavior of the president of the United States is frankly adolescent behavior.”
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When asked if the ‘best man won’ the election, Javid said: “I think so, yes. I think it’s the right outcome not just for America, it’s a decision, of course, for the American people, but it’s the best result. ” for the UK as well.
“I also think that no matter what your policy is, it will be good for all of us to have some courtesy, some integrity and seriousness in the White House.”
